Star all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been named captain of the Indian team for the upcoming three-match T20 International series against Sri Lanka, starting July 27. However, a key player from India’s recent T20 World Cup victory will miss the subsequent three-match ODI series in August due to personal reasons.
According to a senior BCCI source who spoke to PTI on condition of anonymity, Pandya, who previously served as vice-captain under Rohit Sharma, is fully fit and prepared to lead the team in the T20Is.
The T20 matches are set to take place from July 27 to 30 in Pallekele, followed by ODIs from August 2 to 7 in Colombo. The squad for the series is expected to be finalized and announced soon.
While the deputy captain has not yet been confirmed, potential candidates include Shubman Gill, who recently led India to victory against Zimbabwe, and Suryakumar Yadav, who captained the team in T20Is against South Africa last year.
For the ODI series, Pandya has requested time off for personal reasons and has already notified regular captain Rohit Sharma, who is also opting out of the series.
“The break from ODIs is due to personal reasons. Hardik is not dealing with any fitness issues, despite media reports,” the official stated.