India to Unveil T20I Squad for Australia Series After World Cup 2023 Semi-Finals
Hardik Pandya is likely to miss the Australia series
With the ICC World Cup 2023 nearing its conclusion, the Indian team is gearing up for their upcoming T20 series against Australia.
Indian squad for Australia T20 series to be announced after WC semis
The Indian squad for the Australia T20I series, however, is yet to be announced, mainly due to the team's ongoing commitment to the World Cup and the injury of key player Hardik Pandya.
India's exceptional performance in the World Cup, marked by eight victories in as many games, has placed them at the pinnacle of the points table, ensuring their spot in the semi-finals. This achievement has brought the team significant attention and raised expectations for their upcoming series.
According to Press Trust of India (PTI) reports, the Indian squad for the Australia series will likely be declared post the World Cup semi-finals. This delay is attributed to the team's current focus on the World Cup and the need for a strategic approach to player selection, especially in light of Hardik's injury.
Hardik, India’s T20 captain, suffered an ankle ligament tear during the India vs Bangladesh match, putting his participation in the upcoming series in doubt. A
A senior BCCI official, who wished to remain anonymous, shared insights with PTI, suggesting that it might be more feasible for Hardik to aim for a return during the series against South Africa. The official stated that the National Cricket Academy’s Sports Science team would have the final say in determining Hardik's readiness for a return to play.
“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,” said a BCCI official.
Meanwhile, the squad's announcement is also seen as an opportunity to rest key players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma after the demanding World Cup schedule. This could pave the way for younger talents to showcase their skills against Australia in an exciting T20I series.
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