Cricket News: Hardik Pandya to Miss ODI Series Against Sri Lanka Due to Personal Reasons

As India prepares to take on Sri Lanka in a three-match T20 International series starting July 27, star all-rounder Hardik Pandya is set to lead the team. However, he will be taking a break during the subsequent three-match ODI series in August due to personal reasons. According to a senior BCCI source, Pandya is fully fit and available for the T20I series, but has requested time off for the ODIs.

Pandya’s absence from the ODI series comes as a surprise, especially since he was a key player in India’s T20 World Cup victory last month. The source clarified that Pandya’s decision has nothing to do with his fitness, which has been a topic of speculation in the media. Instead, he has asked for leave and has already informed regular skipper Rohit Sharma, who is also taking a break from the series.

The question now is who will lead the Indian team in the ODIs. KL Rahul, who led the team in the last ODI series against South Africa, and Shubman Gill, who recently captained India to a 4-1 series win over Zimbabwe, are in contention for the leadership role.

Meanwhile, BCCI secretary Jay Shah has emphasized the importance of domestic availability for cricketers. While star players like Rohit, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah will be given exceptions, other Test specialists are expected to play at least one or two Duleep Trophy games in August as a precursor to the Tests against Bangladesh and New Zealand. The national selection committee will pick the Duleep teams, and all Test team contenders will be selected.

In a departure from previous years, there will be no zonal selection committee for the Duleep Trophy. This change is expected to ensure that all Test team contenders get a chance to showcase their skills. For Rohit, Virat, and Bumrah, however, it will be their personal choice whether to play or not.

The Indian squad for the T20I and ODI series against Sri Lanka is expected to be announced in the next couple of days. The T20Is will be played from July 27 to 30 in Pallekele, followed by the ODIs from August 2 to 7 in Colombo.

Historical Context:

The Indian cricket team has a rich history of producing talented all-rounders, with Hardik Pandya being one of the most successful ones in recent times. Pandya made his international debut in 2015 and has since become a key player for the team, known for his aggressive batting and impressive bowling skills. He has been a part of several successful campaigns, including the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy and the 2021 T20 World Cup, where India won the title.

In the context of the current news, Pandya’s decision to take a break from the ODI series against Sri Lanka comes as a surprise, especially given his recent performances in the T20 World Cup. However, it is not uncommon for cricketers to take breaks due to personal reasons, and Pandya’s decision is likely to be respected by the team management and fans.

Summary in Bullet Points:

• Hardik Pandya will miss the ODI series against Sri Lanka in August due to personal reasons, despite being fully fit and available for the T20I series. • Pandya has informed regular skipper Rohit Sharma, who is also taking a break from the series, and the question now is who will lead the Indian team in the ODIs. • KL Rahul and Shubman Gill are in contention for the leadership role, having led the team in previous series. • BCCI secretary Jay Shah has emphasized the importance of domestic availability for cricketers, with Test specialists expected to play at least one or two Duleep Trophy games in August. • The national selection committee will pick the Duleep teams, and all Test team contenders will be selected. • There will be no zonal selection committee for the Duleep Trophy, ensuring that all Test team contenders get a chance to showcase their skills. • The Indian squad for the T20I and ODI series against Sri Lanka is expected to be announced in the next couple of days. • The T20Is will be played from July 27 to 30 in Pallekele, followed by the ODIs from August 2 to 7 in Colombo.