The Indian cricket team is set to be on a tour of Sri Lanka in July-August 2024, which will include a three-match T20I series followed by a three-match ODI series.
One of the key decisions the selectors and the new head coach Gautam Gambhir will have to make is the choice of the T20I captain, with Suryakumar Yadav (SKY) and Hardik Pandya emerging as the frontrunners for the role.
Suryakumar Yadav as India T20I Captain
According to reports, Suryakumar Yadav has emerged as the preferred choice of Gambhir and the selection committee led by Ajit Agarkar to take over the T20I captaincy from the recently retired Rohit Sharma.
The selectors and the new management believe that the 33-year-old SKY is the better long-term option for the role, given his calm and composed demeanor, as opposed to the more “alpha-male” personality of Hardik Pandya.
SKY has already captained India in 7 T20Is and won 5 against Australia and South Africa last year, showcasing his leadership abilities. His strong rapport with Gambhir, who was his captain at Kolkata Knight Riders, is also seen as a major advantage.
Hardik Pandya as India T20I Captain
Hardik Pandya was widely expected to be the natural successor to Rohit Sharma as the T20I captain, given his experience in the role. He has captained India on 16 occasions and also led Gujarat Titans to the IPL title in 2022.
However, it is reported that Gambhir and the selectors are not entirely convinced by Pandya’s aggressive personality and are concerned that he might not be as receptive to the new coach’s decisions and plans.
Additionally, Hardik Pandya’s fitness issues in the past have also been a concern, with the selectors wanting to ensure stability in the team’s leadership.
While both SKY and Hardik Pandya are talented and experienced cricketers, the selectors and the new management seem to be leaning towards Suryakumar Yadav as the preferred choice for India’s T20I captaincy.
