Suryakumar Yadav has reportedly gotten the green light to replace Rohit Sharma as India’s T20I captain for the next two years, leaving behind prime contender Hardik Pandya. Notably, Pandya was the vice-captain of India in the recent T20 World Cup 2024 win.
Both Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav were rested from the recent T20I tour of Zimbabwe but are supposed to be part of the Indian white-ball team for the limited-overs tour of Sri Lanka in late July-August.
Hardik Pandya made himself available for the T20I series, but requested leave from ODIs due to personal reasons, the report stated. Suryakumar Yadav is likely to play in the T20Is for India.
The reason that Suryakumar Yadav is more consistent in his availability has reportedly swayed the decision of new head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief of BCCI selection committee Ajit Agarkar in his favor.
It has been reported by PTI that earlier this evening, Pandya was informed by both Agarkar and Gambhir about the change in plan, and he was explained that a long-term solution was being finalized to guarantee stability.
Following India's World Cup victory in the West Indies last month, Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from the shortest format, leaving the position of T20 captain empty.
One of the stars of that triumph, Pandya, has requested a break for "personal reasons" during the three-match ODI series against the island nation. The ODIs versus Sri Lanka will take place in Colombo from August 2 to 7, after the T20Is against them from July 27 to 30 in Pallekele.
“Hardik Pandya was India's T20 vice-captain under Rohit Sharma. He is completely fit and available for the three-match T20I series and was supposed to lead the side but there is a very strong feeling that SKY would be the potential leader not only for the Sri Lanka series but till the 2026 World Cup. Hardik's break from ODIs is for very personal reasons. He doesn't have any fitness issue as is being suggested in the media,” a senior BCCI source told PTI.
Suryakumar Yadav has captained India in a total of 8 T20Is against Australia and South Africa. Suryakumar became well-known as a T20 player while playing for the Kolkata Knight Riders, where Gambhir was captain at the time.
Although Hardik was thought to be Rohit's obvious successor, several factors have come into play.
Due to his lackluster record as the Mumbai Indians captain, the selectors are unwilling to let him pick and choose his assignments. It won't bother the selectors if he plays in the Vijay Hazare Trophy this season to acquire some experience with 50 overs cricket.
Regarding the ODIs, the official stated that Pandya has requested a leave of absence and has informed Rohit, who would also be taking a break from the series, of this.
For the ODIs, KL Rahul, who led in the last series in South Africa, and Gill are in contention for the leadership role.
(PTI inputs)
