The talented all-rounder Hardik Pandya is expected to be the T20I Captain for the Indian team in the three-match T20 International series between India and Sri Lanka, beginning on July 27. One of the stars of India's success in the T20 World Cup last month, however, has announced that he would take a vacation for "personal reasons" during the three-match ODI series in August.

The ODIs against Sri Lanka will take place in Colombo from August 2 to 7, after the T20Is against them from July 27 to 30 in Pallekele. In the next few days, the series roster is anticipated to be revealed. The 30-year-old, it is reported, is fully healthy and has already notified the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) of his availability for the series against Sri Lanka.

“There have been no injury concerns since that freak injury in the World Cup. He has played the complete season of the IPL without any discomfort and was in top shape during the T20 World Cup. That’s nearly three months of non-stop cricket,” adds the source.

Captaincy Choices for T20I Series

The choice between Shubman Gill, who recently led India to a 4-1 series victory over Zimbabwe, and Suryakumar Yadav, who captained the team during the Twenty20 Internationals against South Africa last year, is still up in the air. Pandya's deputy is still to be determined. Regarding the ODIs, the official verified that Pandya had requested a leave of absence and had informed regular captain Rohit Sharma, who is also taking a vacation from this series, of his request.

"Hardik Pandya was India's T2O vice-captain under Rohit Sharma. He is completely fit and available for the three-match T20I series and will lead the side," a senior BCCI source told PTI on conditions of anonymity. Rohit retired from T20 Internationals at the end of the World Cup.

Gill and KL Rahul, who took the lead in the most recent ODI series in South Africa, are contenders for the captaincy in the ODIs. "The break from ODIs is for very personal reasons. Hardik doesn't have any fitness issue as is being floated in the media," the official said.

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Even elite cricket players ought to make themselves accessible for domestic engagements when they are not on national duty, according to BCCI Secretary Jay Shah. However, there will be an exception made for players like Jasprit Bumrah, Rohit, and Virat Kohli. However, to prepare for the Tests against Bangladesh and New Zealand in August, the BCCI would like all the other Test specialists to participate in at least one if not more, Duleep Trophy matches.

"This time there is no zonal selection committee for the Duleep Trophy. Only national selection committee will pick Duleep teams.

"All Test team contenders will be picked. For Rohit, Virat and Bumrah, it will be their choice if they want to play or not," the source added.

Pandya made significant contributions with the bat and the ball during India's 2024 T20 World Cup campaign. The seamer bowled the vital last over with remarkable composure, taking important wickets of David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen. He bowled 25 overs in India's eight games without experiencing any pain, and he has been in excellent form ever since the bizarre injury he sustained against Bangladesh in the 2023 World Cup.

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