Following Rohit Sharma’s retirement from the shortest format, vice-captain Hardik Pandya was initially seen because the pure successor to the 37-year-old World Cup-winning skipper. Nonetheless, Suryakumar Yadav, often called “Mr. 360 levels,” has emerged as a shock contender for the vacant T20I captaincy.
Pandya, who performed a vital position in India’s T20 World Cup triumph by bowling the decisive closing over, will miss the upcoming three-match ODI sequence in opposition to Sri Lanka as a consequence of private causes.
The T20I sequence in opposition to Sri Lanka is scheduled from July 27 to 30 in Pallekele, adopted by the ODIs from August 2 to 7 in Colombo.
BCCI Picture
SKY vs Pandya
Suryakumar’s distinctive efficiency within the World Cup closing, together with a vital catch of David Miller, has bolstered his case. He boasts a document of 2340 runs in 68 T20Is at a powerful common of 43.33 and a strike charge of 167.74. With 4 centuries and 19 fifties, Suryakumar has led India in 7 T20Is, securing 5 victories.
Alternatively, Hardik Pandya has collected 1492 runs in 100 T20Is, averaging 26.64, with 4 fifties to his credit score. Recognized for his all-round talents, Pandya has additionally claimed 84 wickets in T20Is. He has captained India in 16 T20Is, profitable 10 matches.
Is Suryakumar Gambhir’s first alternative?
Gautam Gambhir, famend for his T20 experience throughout his captaincy at Kolkata Knight Riders, the place Suryakumar earned the identify ‘SKY’, reportedly favours him as the popular candidate for India’s T20I captaincy. Gambhir, together with chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar, has mentioned the management transition with Pandya.
Pandya, who served as Rohit’s deputy on the T20 World Cup, has been knowledgeable about India’s long-term captaincy plans.
Regardless of being absolutely match and accessible for the upcoming T20I sequence, there may be sturdy hypothesis that Suryakumar may lead the crew not solely within the Sri Lanka sequence but additionally probably till the 2026 World Cup, in accordance with a senior BCCI supply.
“Hardik Pandya’s absence from ODIs is because of private causes and never fitness-related,” clarified the official, addressing current media hypothesis.
