India’s Probable Squads for Sri Lanka Tour: Suryakumar Yadav to Lead T20Is, Rohit and Kohli to Return in ODIs?

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to announce the squads for the upcoming white-ball tour of Sri Lanka, which includes three T20 Internationals (T20Is) and three One-Day Internationals (ODIs). The tour will mark a new beginning for India’s T20 World Cup-winning team, while also serving as preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy next year. The selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, is likely to name the squads on Wednesday.

T20I Captaincy: Hardik Pandya vs Suryakumar Yadav

Hardik Pandya, the vice-captain of India’s T20 World Cup-winning team, was considered a strong contender to replace Rohit Sharma as T20I captain. However, his injury struggles might force the selectors to manage his workload, making Suryakumar Yadav a surprise frontrunner for the role. According to reports, Gambhir and Agarkar have spoken to Hardik about the change in plan, with the management set to pick a T20I captain until the 2026 World Cup. Suryakumar, who captained India in eight T20Is against Australia and South Africa last year, could be the ideal candidate to lead the team.

Will Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah Return?

The trio has reportedly extended their break after the T20 World Cup campaign, citing the grueling last three months, which included the IPL 2024 season. They also want to focus on the upcoming Test series, which includes five matches at home and five in Australia. While Gambhir would like to have Rohit, Kohli, and Bumrah in the ODI squad for the Champions Trophy next year, the selectors have agreed to their request for an extended break.

Stand-in ODI Captain: KL Rahul or Shubman Gill?

With Rohit missing out and Hardik opting out of the ODI series, India needs to name a new stand-in captain. KL Rahul, who led India in the last ODI series in South Africa, could be a contender. Gambhir has worked with Rahul previously, making him a strong candidate. Shubman Gill, who recently led India to a 4-1 T20I series win in Zimbabwe, could also be considered. Rishabh Pant, who is set to play his first ODI match since his accident in December 2022, is another option.

Will Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan Return?

Both players were key members of the Indian team until the final quarter of 2023, when they were ignored for the annual contracts due to their lack of involvement in domestic cricket. It is unclear whether the selectors will give them a chance to return for the Sri Lanka series.

Players from the Zimbabwe Series: Who Could Make the Cut?

With Rohit out, Yashasvi Jaiswal could be considered as Shubman Gill’s opening partner. Abhishek Sharma, who scored a century against Zimbabwe, and Ruturaj Gaikawad, who adapted well to both No. 3 and 4 roles, could also be considered for both series. Washington Sundar, who was named Player of the Series in Zimbabwe, would be added to the T20I list as Ravindra Jadeja’s replacement.

Probable Squads for Sri Lanka Series

ODI Squad:

• KL Rahul (C)
• Axar Patel
• Yashasvi Jaiswal
• Ruturaj Gaikwad
• Shubman Gill
• Sanju Samson (WK)
• Rishabh Pant (WK)
• Shreyas Iyer
• Ravindra Jadeja/Tilak Verma
• Washington Sundar
• Kuldeep Yadav
• Axar Patel
• Mohammed Siraj
• Mukesh Kumar
• Arshdeep Singh
• Shivam Dube/Rinku Singh

T20I Squad:

• Suryakumar Yadav (C)
• Hardik Pandya
• Axar Patel
• Yashasvi Jaiswal
• Shubman Gill
• Sanju Samson (WK)
• Rishabh Pant (WK)
• Shivam Dube
• Rinku Singh
• Washington Sundar
• Tilak Varma/Abhishek Sharma/Ruturaj Gaikwad
• Arshdeep Singh
• Mukesh Kumar
• Avesh Khan/Khaleel Ahmed/Mohammed Siraj
• Kuldeep Yadav
• Ravi Bishnoi

Historical Context:

The Indian cricket team has a rich history of producing talented players and winning international matches. The team has won several international tournaments, including the Cricket World Cup, the ICC Champions Trophy, and the Asia Cup. The team has also produced many legendary players, such as Sachin Tendulkar, Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, and Rahul Dravid, who have made significant contributions to the team’s success.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is the governing body for cricket in India and is responsible for selecting the Indian cricket team. The BCCI has been instrumental in promoting cricket in India and has played a key role in the team’s success.

The Indian cricket team has a strong rivalry with the Sri Lankan cricket team, and the two teams have played each other several times in the past. The teams have a long history of competing against each other, and the matches between them are always highly anticipated and closely watched.

Summary of the Article in Bullet Points:

• The Indian cricket team is set to tour Sri Lanka for three T20 Internationals (T20Is) and three One-Day Internationals (ODIs).
• Suryakumar Yadav is likely to lead the T20I team, with Hardik Pandya’s injury struggles forcing the selectors to manage his workload.
• Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah are expected to return for the ODI series, but will miss the T20Is due to an extended break.
• KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, and Rishabh Pant are contenders for the ODI captaincy, with Rahul being a strong candidate due to his previous experience.
• Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan may return to the team after being ignored for the annual contracts due to their lack of involvement in domestic cricket.
• Players from the Zimbabwe series, such as Yashasvi Jaiswal, Abhishek Sharma, and Ruturaj Gaikawad, could make the cut for the Sri Lanka series.
• The probable ODI squad includes KL Rahul as captain, while the T20I squad is likely to be led by Suryakumar Yadav.
• The teams will be announced on Wednesday, with the selection committee led by Ajit Agarkar.