Reports: Suryakumar Yadav favourite to replace Rohit Sharma as T20I captain, Hardik Pandya in contention as well

Suryakumar Yadav is likely to be appointed as India’s new captain in the T20I format. Hardik Pandya, who was the favourite to replace Rohit Sharma has more experience but the selectors and new head coach Gautam Gambhir have concerns about his fitness. The team management also wants to focus on Pandya’s workload management and he may be considered for Test cricket, for games away from home, if the all-rounder maintains his fitness.

Suryakumar led Mumbai in domestic cricket and India in the five-match series against Australia in 2023. He was also the captain of the team in the series against South Africa, in which, the series ended 1-1. He is also one of the key players for India in the shortest format and BCCI are keen on adding more responsibility, given how calm he is under pressure.

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However, it won’t be a surprise if Pandya gets named as the new T20I captain. The selectors recently had a meeting with the all-rounder but the details of the same are not made public. There’s a strong probability of him leading the national side as well but the favours are slightly inclined towards Suryakumar Yadav, given that Hardik may not play all the matches to manage his workload.

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As per ESPNcricinfo, the selectors will meet on Wednesday, July 17 to confirm the squad for the series against Sri Lanka. Senior pacer Jasprit Bumrah is likely to be given rest, while the other T20 World Cup squad members are expected to be named.

Gambhir urges senior players to play, KL Rahul likely to lead India in Sri Lanka ODIs

When it comes to the ODIs against Sri Lanka, reports say that Gautam Gambhir wants all the senior cricketers to be back. However, that might not happen. KL Rahul is currently the favourite to lead the side. But BCCI may also pick either Shubman Gill or Rishabh Pant, as the goal is to groom someone younger, who can take over after Rohit.

Interestingly, Gambhir’s support staff is not finalised as yet. With less than 10 days remaining, BCCI needs to act fast.