New Delhi: After a long wait, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the squad for Team India’s tour of Sri Lanka, set to begin on July 27. The announcement, made on Thursday, revealed several significant changes, including Suryakumar Yadav being named the captain of the T20 team in place of Hardik Pandya. Alongside Suryakumar, Shubman Gill has been appointed vice-captain for both the T20 and ODI teams. Rohit Sharma will captain the ODI team, with Virat Kohli also making a return to the squad.
Key Highlights of the Squad Announcement
Suryakumar Yadav Takes T20 Captaincy:
Suryakumar Yadav will lead the T20 team, as the BCCI seeks a permanent captain for the format ahead of the T20 World Cup. Hardik Pandya, who has faced multiple injuries and is reportedly taking a break for personal reasons, is replaced by Yadav, who has previously captained Team India in seven T20 matches, winning five.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Included:
Despite speculation that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli might be rested, both players have been included in the ODI squad. Rohit, who was on a break in the US post the T20 World Cup, will lead the ODI team, while Kohli, currently in London, has been recalled. However, senior players Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja have been rested to manage their workload ahead of the Champions Trophy next year.
Emerging Talent and New Opportunities:
Riyan Parag and Shivam Dube have been selected for both the T20 and ODI teams. Parag, who played in the T20 series against Zimbabwe, may make his ODI debut. Dube, viewed as a potential future fast-bowling all-rounder, continues to receive opportunities after his inclusion in the T20 World Cup and the Zimbabwe tour. Conversely, Abhishek Sharma, despite his century against Zimbabwe, has not been included in either squad.
Shreyas Iyer’s ODI Comeback:
Shreyas Iyer returns to the ODI team, having last played on December 17, 2023, in Johannesburg against South Africa. However, he has not been included in the T20 squad. Harshit Rana, KKR’s star bowler, has been selected for the ODI team but misses out on the T20 squad. Sanju Samson will play in the T20 series, while Ruturaj Gaikwad, despite a strong performance against Zimbabwe, has not been included in either squad.
Shubman Gill’s Vice-Captaincy:
Shubman Gill’s appointment as vice-captain for both teams has fuelled speculation about his future leadership role in Indian cricket. Gill recently led India to a 4-1 series win against Zimbabwe and has taken over the captaincy of the Gujarat Titans following Hardik Pandya’s move to captain the Mumbai Indians.
Squad Details:
ODI Team:
– Captain: Rohit Sharma
– Vice-Captain: Shubman Gill
– Players: Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Shivam Dube, Harshit Rana, and others.
T20 Team:
– Captain: Suryakumar Yadav
– Vice-Captain: Shubman Gill
– Players: Riyan Parag, Shivam Dube, Sanju Samson, and others.
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