India’s tour of Sri Lanka begins on July 27 and will consist of three T20Is and three ODIs. For the upcoming tour, the BCCI selection committee has decided to make some big surprises in the squad roster. Suryakumar Yadav replacing Hardik Pandya as T20I skipper was one of them.
Suryakumar has been seen struggling in ODIs, and it was perfectly visible during the last year’s 50-over World Cup. Suryakumar has played in a total of 37 ODIs, but has averaged only 25.76, and on top of that, has struggled against pace in ODIs. There are only 6 ODIs left before the Champions Trophy and so the selectors have decided to shift their focus on other alternate players.
Earlier, a BCCI official said, “Although Gambhir did not directly pitch for Surya in the call, he made it amply clear that he would want to work with a captain whose workload does not become a stumbling block. Agarkar was clear with his views.”
Like Suryakumar, Hardik has also been taken away from the ODI squad. India doesn’t have a replacement for Hardik, but as the Champions Trophy is to be held in Pakistan, the concentration is on Axar Patel and Washington Sundar to fulfil the all-rounder role.
Along with all this, opener Shubhman Gill has been appointed as vice-captain for both ODIs and T20Is, making him a future candidate for captaincy. Ravindra Jadeja has already retired from T20Is, and could also lose ODIs soon. Axar Patel’s form has begun to show its effect and he might lose his place in the team. With Sundar coming through, we could see Jadeja drift away from spotlight.
Riyan Parag has been included in both squads. He bats at 5th number in domestic cricket and has been consistent in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Adaptable role of Parag has given him a chance to be included in the lower-order slot.
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