Team India are currently in West Indies where they are playing a two-match Test series which will be followed by a three-match ODI series and a five-match T20I series. Post their series against West India, the Men in Blue are set to take on Ireland for three T20Is. With Hardik Pandya being named the captain for every T20I series following India's T20 World Cup defeat last year it was expected that he would continue to lead the team in Ireland. However, it is now being reported that Hardik along with Shubman Gill will be rested for this series.
In absence of Hardik Pandya, a report carried by Times of India claims that Suryakumar Yadav could lead the side in this series. The Mumbai Indians batter is currently the world's number 1 ranked T20I batter and is even the vice-captain of the T20I side for the West Indies tour. He had even led the MI franchise when Rohit Sharma was unwell in IPL 2023.
Meanwhile, a BCCI source had already been quoted by news agency PTI which more or less confirms Hardik and Gill being handed a rest. However, the source adds that a final will be taken on how Hardik is feeling after the West Indies tour.
Also Read | Hardik Pandya & Shubman Gill Likely To Be Rested For IND vs IRE T20Is. Here's Why
"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," the BCCI source told PTI.
Both Pandya and Gill are likely to play a key role in India's campaigns in Asia Cup and ODI World Cup - the marquee tournaments for this year and the management might want to keep them fresh for the same.