Hardik Pandya to lead India in T20Is against Sri Lanka, Rohit Sharma returns for ODIs | Cricket News

NEW DELHI: The Board of Control for Cricket in India on Tuesday announced the squads for the T20I and ODI series against Sri Lanka, starting January 3. Rohit Sharma, who is recovering from a thumb injury will miss the 3-match T20I series and will return to lead the team in the ODIs.
All-rounder Hardik Pandya has been named the skipper for the T20I series and will have Suryakumar Yadav as his deputy.

Virat Kohli and KL Rahul are also not part of the shortest format and there is an indication that the duo along with Rohit might not be picked again keeping 2024 T20 World Cup in mind.
Pandya, who led Gujarat Titans to IPL triumph during the last edition was touted as Rohit’s replacement after India lost to England in the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup playing archaic cricket.
While Rohit is still recovering from thumb dislocation, the BCCI press release doesn’t state if it is a permanent change or just for one series.

Rishabh Pant is not a part of both the white-ball squads and it is understood that he has been asked to report at the NCA for a knee strengthening rehabilitation programme for two weeks. Hence, he will miss the entire Sri Lanka series.
Interestingly, Hardik has been named Rohit’s deputy for the ODIs and Rahul will play in the team as wicketkeeper-batsman.
Out-of-form Shikhar Dhawan has also been dropped from the ODI squad.
Uncapped Indian pacers and IPL big buys Shivam Mavi and Mukesh Kumar have got maiden T20I call-up. Mavi was picked by Titans for Rs 6 crore, while Bengal’s Mukesh was snapped by Delhi Capitals for Rs 5.50 crore.
Ruturaj Gaikwad and Rahul Tripathi, two powerhouse IPL performers, made it to the T20 side.
The ODI side boasts a more experienced look with Mohammed Shami coming back from shoulder injury.
India’s squad for Sri Lanka T20Is: Hardik Pandya (Captain), Ishan Kishan (wk), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (VC), Deepak Hooda, Rahul Tripathi, Sanju Samson, Washington Sundar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Harshal Patel, Umran Malik, Shivam Mavi, Mukesh Kumar.
India’s squad for Sri Lanka ODIs: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), Hardik Pandya (VC), Washington Sundar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Mohd. Shami, Mohd. Siraj, Umran Malik, Arshdeep Singh.

(With inputs from PTI)