Team India is scheduled to play 5 T20Is against Australia at home following the conclusion of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023. The series begins on November 23 in Vizag with the following games to be played in Thiruvananthapuram (Nov 26), Guwahati (Nov 28), Nagpur (Dec 1) and Hyderabad (Dec 3).
As the team shifts its focus to the shortest format of the game, the big guns featured in the ongoing ICC event shall take a backseat. But Hardik Pandya, who has been leading the side in the shortest format lately, is unlikely to be available for 5-match series against the Aussies.
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As reported by news agency PTI, the star all-rounder will require more time to recover from his left ankle ligament tear. It has also been learned that the squad will be announced only after India’s World Cup semi-final, which in all likelihood will be played in Mumbai on November 15.
The team will be leaving for South Africa after hosting the Aussies and a more practical scenario for Hardik would be to get fit by the time the T20 series against the Proteas begins from December 10 in Durban.
“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 source from BCCI was quoted as saying by the agency.
Suryakumar or Ruturaj Gikwad likely to replace Hardik in Australia series
The report further stated that either Suryakumar Yadav, the designated vice-captain of the T20I side, or Asian Games gold-winning skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad will be leading the side.
While Surya is playing in the ODI World Cup, unlike seniors like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul and the pace unit, which needs to be fresh for the Test series, the Mumbai Indians star is currently being looked at as a two-format white-ball specialists.
It is an accepted norm that white-ball Indian specialists (especially batters) can play 25-30 games per year across two white-ball formats apart from IPL, fitness permitting. Hence, if Surya himself doesn’t ask for rest, he is the favourite to lead the side. If not, Ruturaj is the next best choice.
Looking at T20 World Cup in the Americas
The T20 World Cup will be held in the Americas (United States and West Indies) in June and July next year after the IPL and the core team for the Australia series will be formed by all those who played in Ireland and the Asian Games.
“Obviously, during any big event, someone like Jasprit Bumrah will be pressed into the action as he would be nicely warmed up with sufficient game time post the Indian Premier League. Ditto for a Mohammed Siraj,” the official said.
The likes of Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan, and Mukesh Kumar are likely to be picked for the series.
For the upcoming Australia series, it is expected that the likes of Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, and Yuzvendra Chahal are expected to make a comeback to the side apart from those who performed during the Asian Games. If Axar Patel recovers from his hamstring injury, he will be selected as Ravindra Jadeja surely would get rest before the South Africa tour.
(With PTI Inputs)
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