Big changes shape up in Indian T20 cricket! This is in respect to the 15-member names that Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) listed for the coming three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, beginning 27th July 2024. Below are the main heads-ups.
Leadership Changes
New Captain and Vice-Captain:
Following Rohit Sharma's retirement from T20I cricket, a new captain has been appointed: Suryakumar Yadav. Shubman Gill, who has replaced Hardik Pandya, who led India to victory in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, has shifted as the vice-captain.
Exclusion of Hardik Pandya from his Leadership:
Despite Hardik Pandya's great performances, he is excluded from the leadership group in this series. This has shocked quite a few fans. After the tremendous performance in the final match of T20 World cup against South Africa.
Squad Details
Openers: These two young stars Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal have done great work in the previous games in the Zimbabwe series and will open the innings for India. Both have looked very promising.
Middle Order: Skipper Suryakumar Yadav and his deputy Sanju Samson will be mainstays of their middle order, supported by Rishabh Pant, Riyan Parag, and Rinku Singh. Known for playing shots across the ground, the Indian batsmen are expected to pile on the runs here.
All-Rounders: The team comprises of Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, and Axar Patel as all-rounders. Their versatility adds balance to the team.
Bowlers: The above-mentioned names along with Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, Ravi Bishnoi, and Khaleel Ahmed form the bowling attack. Kuldeep Yadav was finally axed after getting the cold shoulder, with him being one of the mainstays for India's T20 World Cup campaign.
India's T20I Squad for Sri Lanka Series
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
Mohammed Siraj
T20I Series Schedule
1st T20I: July 27, 2024, 07:00 PM IST, PICS, Pallekele
2nd T20I: July 28, 2024, 07:00 PM IST, PICS, Pallekele
3rd T20I: July 30, 2024, 07:00 PM IST, PICS, Pallekele
This series is a great opportunity for young players to showcase their talent and for the team to test new combinations. Stay tuned for more updates and enjoy the matches!
