Gautam Gambhir, the new head coach of the Indian cricket team, will meet with selectors led by Ajit Agarkar to finalize squads for the upcoming Sri Lanka tour. The team will play three ODIs and three T20Is, starting with the T20 series on July 26.
With regular captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah resting, Hardik Pandya’s workload will determine his availability. KL Rahul may step in as captain for ODIs if needed. The decision on whether Hardik Pandya will continue as T20I captain permanently, following his temporary role in the 2022 World Cup, is yet to be announced. Suryakumar Yadav is likely to be named vice-captain.
Apart from retired players like Rohit, Kohli, and Jadeja, the rest of the T20 World Cup-winning squad members are expected to be retained for the Sri Lanka series. Newcomers like Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar, and either Avesh Khan or Mukesh Kumar might also join the squad.
In ODIs, KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer are set to return. Gambhir has a close association with both players from his IPL coaching days. Iyer, who led Delhi Capitals under Gambhir, will make his comeback after losing his BCCI central contract. Rahul, who also worked closely with Gambhir at Lucknow SuperGiants, aims to prove himself after a stint away from T20 cricket.
Rishabh Pant’s workload management will be discussed due to his recent heavy schedule and return from injury. Sanju Samson and Dhurv Jurel might be considered as backup wicketkeepers for the Sri Lanka tour.
The selectors will also consider replacements for injured players and strategize with Gambhir on team tactics across formats.
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