Suryakumar Yadav is the captain of the Indian cricket team

In a recent announcement, the Indian cricket team named Suryakumar Yadav as the captain for the upcoming T20I series against Sri Lanka, with Shubman Gill serving as the vice-captain for both the T20I and ODI formats. This decision has sparked discussions, particularly regarding the absence of Hardik Pandya from the captaincy.

Former cricketer Kris Srikkanth expressed confusion over the reasoning behind Hardik Pandya's exclusion from the leadership role. While Srikkanth praised Suryakumar Yadav for his leadership potential, he questioned the rationale provided by Team India's chief selector, Ajit Agarkar, for dropping Pandya. Agarkar cited fitness challenges as a primary concern, suggesting that a player who is consistently available is necessary for captaincy. However, Srikkanth disagreed, highlighting Pandya's impressive performance during the T20 World Cup and his participation in the IPL.

Hardik Pandya led the T20I side in 16 matches, boasting a win percentage of 62.50. Despite the criticism of his leadership tenure, his individual contributions in the T20 World Cup were noteworthy, as he scored 144 runs and took 11 wickets throughout the tournament.

The Indian team's tour of Sri Lanka will commence on July 27, featuring three T20Is followed by three ODIs. The matches will take place at the Pallekele International Stadium and R Premadasa Stadium.

The selection for both squads reflects a blend of youth and experience, with notable players like Rishabh Pant, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma included in the ODI lineup. The decision to appoint Suryakumar Yadav as captain is seen as a chance for him to showcase his leadership skills on the international stage.