The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) unveiled the squad for Team India’s upcoming tour of Sri Lanka on Thursday. This tour marks the first series under the new head coach Gautam Gambhir, who took over following Rahul Dravid’s departure after the 2024 T20 World Cup. The series will start with three T20Is in Pallekele on July 27, 28, and 30, followed by three ODIs in Colombo on August 2, 4, and 7.

Suryakumar Yadav named T20I captain

Suryakumar Yadav has been appointed as India’s new T20I captain, taking over from Rohit Sharma, who retired from T20Is after leading India to victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup. Suryakumar’s first challenge as captain will be the T20I series in Sri Lanka, which coincides with the start of Gambhir’s coaching tenure.

Rationale behind Suryakumar’s selection over Hardik Pandya

Despite Hardik Pandya being the vice-captain during the 2024 T20 World Cup and having extensive captaincy experience, the selection panel, headed by Ajit Agarkar, chose Suryakumar as captain due to concerns about Pandya’s fitness and workload. The decision is also seen as a step towards preparing for the next T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka in 2026.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli included in ODI squad

Rohit and Virat Kohli have been named in the ODI squad for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka, one of two 50-over series scheduled before the 2025 Champions Trophy. Both players had taken a break to spend time with their families following the T20 World Cup celebration in Mumbai on July 4. Despite rumors they might skip the Sri Lanka tour, they will now join the 15-man squad.

Shubman Gill appointed vice-captain for both formats

Shubman Gill has been designated as the vice-captain for both the T20I and ODI squads, reflecting his growing leadership role and consistent performances. This move aims to develop future leadership in India’s white-ball cricket.

India’s T20I squad for Sri Lanka: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Ꮪhubman Gill (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rinku Singh, Riyan Parag, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sanju Samson (WK), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, Mohd. Siraj.

India’s ODI squad for Sri Lanka: Rohit Sharma (C), Ꮪhubman Gill (VC), Virat Kohli, KL Rahul (WK), Rishabh Pant (WK), Shreyas Iyer, Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Riyan Parag, Axar Patel, Khaleel Ahmed, Harshit Rana.

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