For the series of 3 T20 matches in Sri Lanka during July and August, the leadership of the Indian squad was given to Surya Kumar Yadav instead of Hardik Pandya, while Hardik Pandya was the designated vice-captain of the Indian team and was also handling his duties in the World Cup.
The sudden decision of the Indian Cricket Board to appoint Surya Kumar Yadav as the captain for the series against Sri Lanka has left many, including the cricketers, in a state of surprise. This is particularly noteworthy as it marks Gautam Gambhir’s first series as the head coach of the Indian cricket team, and the squad selected for the 3 T20Is and 3 ODIs is also quite different.
The most significant development after Gautam Gambhir became the head coach is that Suriya Kumar Yadav will lead the team instead of Hardik Pandya in the series against Sri Lanka. Surya Kumar Yadav has led the team in T20Is against South Africa and Australia.
While Hardik Pandya was the nominated vice-captain of India in the T20 World Cup and was expected to be the next captain, the appointment of Surya Kumar Yadav as the captain suggests that Gautam Gambhir and company see the Mumbai Indians batsman as a promising long-term captaincy prospect, sparking hope and optimism among fans.
Interestingly, Hardik Pandya has yet to be named the vice-captain, while Shubman Gill has been appointed the new vice-captain. However, the Indian Cricket Board clarified that Hardik Pandya had already been informed about the decision.
According to cricket website ESPNcricinfo, Hardik Pandya has had fitness issues since he went on a long layoff following an ankle injury in the ODI World Cup 2023 and then returned to the IPL. Not as a captain, but Hardik Pandya is India’s best fast bowler all-rounder.