The Indian cricket team is going to be very busy after a month long break after the World Test Championship final. India is currently playing a multi-format series against the West Indies where they will play two Tests, three ODIs and five T20Is in the Caribbean. Whereas Rohit Sharma India’s leadership continues in Tests and ODIs. Hardik Pandya T20Is have been mandated since the 20-over World Cup in 2022. But there could be a new captain in the format as Pandya’s chances for the Ireland series look slim.
According to a PTI report, Pandya and Shubman Gill Ireland is likely to miss the T20I series. The reason behind this is workload management as the team will be playing a lot of cricket in the coming months. However, things are not finalized yet. “Nothing is finalized as of now and it will also depend on how Hardik feels after the ODIs and T20s in the West Indies. This involves travel and travel to and from Florida,” a BCCI source was quoted as saying by PTI. There will only be a short three-day change before we fly out to Dublin.”
Pandya has also been handed the ODI vice-captaincy KL Rahulstruggle in recent times. He was named Rohit Sharma’s deputy in this format from the Sri Lanka series in early 2023 onwards. The source confirmed that the 29-year-old is set to hold on to the position for the World Cup. “With the World Cup being paramount, one has to keep his workload in mind. We should not forget that he will be Rohit’s deputy in the World Cup,” said the source.
India’s busy schedule
After a month-long break following India’s defeat in the WTC final in June, the Indian team is back to work in a big way. They will be playing a lot of games in the coming four months. The Men in Blue are playing a multi-format series against the West Indies. The two Tests will be completed by July 24, which will be followed by a three-match ODI series from July 27. The two sides will also play five T20Is in the Caribbean and the USA from August 3 to August 13.
The Men in Blue will travel to Ireland for a three-match T20I series from August 18 to 23 and the Asia Cup begins on August 30. To keep Pandya fresh, it would not be a surprise to rest him for the Irish series.
Will India get a new captain?
This could also mean that the Indian team could get a new captain for the Irish series. If Pandya doesn’t play, it could open doors for someone else to lead the team. However, KL Rahul reportedly has no chances of playing in Ireland series and Asia Cup 2023. Jasprit BumrahHis place is also not confirmed and India might not want to expose Rohit Sharma for the series before the Asia Cup and World Cup.