Bumrah & Pant Out, Hardik Pandya To Lead; India's Probable T20I Squad For SL Series

Hardik Pandya might lead India in SL T20Is [X]Hardik Pandya might lead India in SL T20Is [X]

As per emerging reports, veteran allrounder Hardik Pandya will lead the Indian team in the upcoming T20I series against Sri Lanka. 

As reported by The Hindustan Times, the Baroda-born is the frontrunner to replace Rohit Sharma, who bid adieu to the shortest format following India's triumphant T20 World Cup campaign in the Caribbean. 


Bumrah and Pant likely to be rested for SL T20Is

Considering their importance for India across formats, the BCCI could rest Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant from the Sri Lanka series. 

The duo, which has had injury setbacks in recent times, will rest for an extended period to recharge for India's upcoming assignments, including a packed home summer. 

However, the report also claims that most of the World Cup players will likely return to the T20I setup for the Lankan series. 

In such a scenario, Suryakumar Yadav, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube and Rinku Singh will likely form India's batting core, with Arshdeep Singh and Mohammed Siraj leading the pace attack in Bumrah's absence. 

Furthermore, Dhruv Jurel, who has been exceptional behind the stumps in Zimbabwe T20Is, could be picked as the second wicket-keeper. 

Youngsters Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal might open for India in the series, with one of Abhishek Sharma and Ruturaj Gaikwad making it as the reserve opener. 

Axar Patel, who played a vital role with the bat for India in the T20 World Cup final, will likely be the first-choice spin-bowling allrounder. 

Meanwhile, one of Avesh Khan and Mukesh Kumar will be picked as the third seamer, with Kuldeep Yadav and Ravi Bishnoi likely to lead India's spin department. 


India's probable squad for SL T20Is

Hardik Pandya (C), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Abhishek Sharma/Ruturaj Gaikwad,  Suryakumar Yadav (VC), Sanju Samson (WK), Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravi Bishnoi, Axar Patel, Mukesh Kumar, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav