Considering the workload management ahead of big ICC events Asia Cup and ODI World Cup, star all-rounder Hardik Pandya might be rested for India vs Ireland three-match T20 International series, PTI reported. As per the report, Shubman Gill too might not be named in India's T20I squad for Ireland tour because of the same reasons. Both Gill and Pandya are confirmed selections in the Indian team for Asia Cup and ODI World Cup. Since Suryakumar Yadav is India's vice-captain in the shortest format, he will most likely be named captain for the Ireland tour.
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"Nothing is finalised yet and it will also depend on how Hardik is feeling after the one-dayers and T20s in the West Indies. There is travelling involved and only a short turnaround of three days before one flies from Florida to Dublin. With the World Cup being of primary importance, one has to factor in his workload. Let's not forget he will be Rohit's deputy in the World Cup," a BCCI source told PTI.
After Tests and ODIs, India and West Indies will play a five-match T20 International series, slated to kickstart from August 3 onwards and end on August 13. The last two IND vs WI T20Is will be played in USA's Florida. After IND vs WI T20I series gets over, the Indian contingent will leave for Ireland for 3 T20Is, to be played on August 18, 20 and 23. Since the 2023 Asia Cup will begin on August 30, Hardik and Gill won't have much time to rest if they travel to Ireland.
Senior batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who haven't been named in India's T20 team for IND vs WI T20 series, are all set to miss another T20I series. The veteran duo hasn't played a single T20 International match for the national team ever since their last outing together in the format during the T20 World Cup, last year.