In a significant reshuffle, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced India’s squad for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka, featuring three T20Is and three ODIs. Suryakumar Yadav, popularly known as “SKY,” has been named the T20I captain, while Rohit Sharma will return to lead the ODI side.
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This decision follows a heated debate within the BCCI, with reports indicating a strong preference for Suryakumar Yadav over Hardik Pandya due to the players’ trust and team dynamics.
Suryakumar Yadav’s Leadership Role
Suryakumar Yadav’s appointment as the T20I captain marks a significant milestone in his career. Known for his explosive batting and innovative shots, Yadav has proven himself as a vital player in the Indian lineup. His leadership will be crucial in the T20 series against Sri Lanka, which is seen as a preparatory ground for upcoming global tournaments.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Return for ODIs
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, two of India’s most experienced and decorated players, return to the ODI squad. Their inclusion brings stability and experience to the team, which is essential for maintaining India’s strong record in the 50-over format. Both players had opted out of recent series for rest and recovery, and their comeback is expected to bolster the team’s performance.
Key Changes and New Faces
Several key players have been included and excluded in this squad announcement. Young talent Riyan Parag has found a place in both squads, reflecting the selectors’ trust in his abilities. Notably, Hardik Pandya, who was speculated to lead the T20I side, has been omitted from the captaincy role, though he remains a crucial player in the squad.
Squad Details
T20I Squad:
- Suryakumar Yadav (C)
- Ishan Kishan (WK)
- Shubman Gill
- Riyan Parag
- Ruturaj Gaikwad
- Sanju Samson
- Washington Sundar
- Axar Patel
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar
- Mohammed Siraj
- Yuzvendra Chahal
ODI Squad:
- Rohit Sharma (C)
- Virat Kohli
- Shreyas Iyer
- KL Rahul (WK)
- Suryakumar Yadav
- Riyan Parag
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Mohammed Shami
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Hardik Pandya
Reactions from the Cricket Community
The cricket community has responded with mixed reactions to these changes. While some praise the decision to give Suryakumar Yadav the captaincy, seeing it as a fresh and bold move, others express disappointment over Hardik Pandya not being given the leadership role. Social media has been abuzz with fans and former cricketers sharing their views.
Gautam Gambhir, a key influencer in the selection process, has been vocal about his support for Yadav’s captaincy. Meanwhile, players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have expressed their readiness and enthusiasm to return to the ODI squad.
Upcoming Schedule
The tour of Sri Lanka will kick off with the T20I series starting on August 2, followed by the ODI series. These matches will be crucial for India as they fine-tune their strategies and combinations ahead of the Asia Cup and the World Cup later this year.
For full coverage and updates on India’s tour of Sri Lanka, stay tuned to NDTV Sports, Cricbuzz, and other leading sports news platforms.