New Delhi, July 18: In a strategic move, the Indian cricket team has appointed middle-order batter Suryakumar Yadav as the captain for the upcoming T20I series against Sri Lanka. Meanwhile, seasoned skipper Rohit Sharma will continue to lead the side in the ODI leg of the tour.
The versatile Shubman Gill will serve as the vice-captain for both formats in the series, which is set to commence on July 27 in Pallekele.
The selection committee has included key players such as Rishabh Pant, who will be part of both the T20I and ODI squads. Joining him are all-rounder Shivam Dube, fast bowler Mohammed Siraj, spin-bowling all-rounders Axar Patel and Washington Sundar, and pacer Khaleel Ahmed.
Notably, Riyan Parag, who made his T20I debut during the Zimbabwe tour, and Harshit Rana have earned their maiden ODI call-ups. The experienced trio of Virat Kohli, K.L. Rahul, and Shreyas Iyer will bolster the 50-over side.
India’s tour of Sri Lanka is scheduled to begin on July 22, with the team set to play three T20Is.
The first two matches are slated for July 27 and 28, with the series finale on July 30. Following the T20I series, the focus will shift to the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo, where the three ODIs will be held on August 2, 4, and 7.
This tour marks a new chapter in Indian cricket as it will be Gautam Gambhir’s first series as the head coach. Gambhir takes over the reins following Rahul Dravid’s successful tenure, which culminated in a triumphant 2024 T20 World Cup campaign in the West Indies.
The BCCI has stated that it will keep a close watch on player availability and participation throughout the upcoming 2024-25 domestic cricket season.
The announcement has generated significant excitement among fans and cricket analysts alike, who are eager to see how the team performs under the new leadership of Suryakumar Yadav in the T20Is and Rohit Sharma in the ODIs.
The blend of experienced players and fresh talent is expected to provide a balanced and dynamic approach as India looks to dominate the series and build momentum for future international competitions. (IANS)
India T20I Squad: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Shubman Gill (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rinku Singh, Riyan Parag, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sanju Samson (WK), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, Mohd. Siraj.
India ODI Squad: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill (VC), Virat Kohli, KL Rahul (WK), Rishabh Pant (WK), Shreyas Iyer, Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Riyan Parag, Axar Patel, Khaleel Ahmed, Harshit Rana.