India all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been shouldered with the leadership responsibility for the ongoing white-ball series against Sri Lanka at home.

While Hardik led India to a 2-1 win in a three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, he is playing the role of Rohit Sharma’s deputy in the ongoing ODI series.

Pandya is happy with the return of regular skipper Rohit for the three-match ODI series versus Sri Lanka, citing that the latter’s comeback gives him space to relax and focus more on his well-being as a player.

Notably, Rohit missed the preceding T20I series as he was recovering from the thumb injury he sustained during the tour of Bangladesh last month.

"Ro (Rohit Sharma) is back so it is much more relaxed. I can focus more on my well-being and try to share all my knowledge. If they need my help or advice, I'm always there. The body is very good, we are following a plan and the workload is being managed rightly with the WC just 6-7 months away," Hardik told broadcasters ahead of the second ODI against Sri Lanka.

The Indian vice-captain also revealed that he had asked Akshar Patel to contribute more with the bat and the latter worked hard to fine-tune his batting skills.

"It has made a big difference, the only request I had from him was more contribution from his batting. He has worked tremendously, helps my life knowing Akshar is after me, helps the team play a certain balance. He's upped his game massively in the recent past, makes the team feel more confident," Hardik added.

In the second ODI, Sri Lanka skipper Dasun Shanaka won the toss and chose to bat first at the iconic Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Thursday (January 12).

Having won the first ODI in Guwahati by eight wickets, the Men in Blue have taken a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.