(Image source: X.com)
[Saba Sports News] Following the conclusion of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 on October 19, Team India will engage in a five-match T20I series against Australia, commencing on November 23 in Visakhapatnam and concluding on December 3 in Hyderabad.
Despite the series approaching, the BCCI selectors have not yet revealed the squad. Reports indicate that due to an ankle injury sustained during the World Cup match against Bangladesh, star all-rounder Hardik Pandya will be absent, leaving the captaincy position open.
Despite the uncertainty, media reports suggest that either Suryakumar Yadav or Ruturaj Gaikwad could step into the captain’s role. Gaikwad, fresh from leading India to a gold medal in the Asian Games 2023, presents a compelling case for captaincy.
India last played a T20I series against Ireland, and speedster Jasprit Bumrah, who made his comeback from injury in that series, was also given the responsibility to lead the Men in Blue in the absence of Pandya, who was given rest by the selectors. However, this time, Bumrah might not be included in the squad, considering the need for a break following his outstanding performance in the ongoing World Cup.
A BCCI official has provided an update on Pandya’s fitness.
“There is some time before Hardik can be declared fit and available for selection. It would be more practical for him to try and complete his rehabilitation with a possible ‘RTP’ (return to play) during SA series. It will certainly be NCA Sports science team’s call,” a BCCI official was quoted as saying by News18.
There is also news circulating that the 33-year-old pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who last played a T20I against New Zealand in November 2022, could be recalled by the selectors for the Australia series.