Following Rohit Sharma’s retirement from the shortest format, vice-captain Hardik Pandya was initially seen as the natural successor to the 37-year-old World Cup-winning skipper. However, Suryakumar Yadav, known as “Mr. 360 degrees,” has emerged as a surprise contender for the vacant T20I captaincy.
Pandya, who played a crucial role in India’s T20 World Cup triumph by bowling the decisive final over, will miss the upcoming three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka due to personal reasons.
The T20I series against Sri Lanka is scheduled from July 27 to 30 in Pallekele, followed by the ODIs from August 2 to 7 in Colombo.
BCCI Photo
SKY vs Pandya
Suryakumar’s exceptional performance in the World Cup final, including a crucial catch of David Miller, has bolstered his case. He boasts a record of 2340 runs in 68 T20Is at an impressive average of 43.33 and a strike rate of 167.74. With four centuries and 19 fifties, Suryakumar has led India in 7 T20Is, securing five victories.
On the other hand, Hardik Pandya has accumulated 1492 runs in 100 T20Is, averaging 26.64, with four fifties to his credit. Known for his all-round abilities, Pandya has also claimed 84 wickets in T20Is. He has captained India in 16 T20Is, winning 10 matches.
Is Suryakumar Gambhir’s first choice?
Gautam Gambhir, renowned for his T20 expertise during his captaincy at Kolkata Knight Riders, where Suryakumar earned the name ‘SKY’, reportedly favours him as the preferred candidate for India’s T20I captaincy. Gambhir, along with chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar, has discussed the leadership transition with Pandya.
Pandya, who served as Rohit’s deputy at the T20 World Cup, has been informed about India’s long-term captaincy plans.
Despite being fully fit and available for the upcoming T20I series, there is strong speculation that Suryakumar could lead the team not only in the Sri Lanka series but also potentially until the 2026 World Cup, according to a senior BCCI source.
“Hardik Pandya’s absence from ODIs is due to personal reasons and not fitness-related,” clarified the official, addressing recent media speculation.