In a significant turn of events, the announcement of India’s squad for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka has been delayed, with the selection meeting postponed to Thursday. The meeting, which was originally scheduled for Wednesday, was expected to see selectors, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah, and India’s newly appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir come together to finalize the team.
The Delay and the Reason Behind It
While an official statement from the BCCI is still awaited, various sources suggest that the delay is due to an unresolved T20I captaincy issue. Gautam Gambhir, the newly recruited head coach, is reportedly in favor of appointing Suryakumar Yadav as the next T20I captain. In contrast, the BCCI seems to prefer Hardik Pandya as Rohit Sharma’s successor.
This difference of opinion has led to what appears to be an ego clash between the parties involved, delaying the squad announcement. The decision on the captaincy is crucial, and both Gambhir and the BCCI are standing firm on their choices.
Latest Updates on India’s Squad
Amidst this ongoing debate, several updates regarding the squad have emerged. Rohit Sharma has confirmed his availability for the Sri Lanka series, providing a boost to the team. However, the participation of key players like Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah remains uncertain.
Hardik Pandya is expected to miss the ODI leg of the series, raising questions about his fitness and future in the squad. On a positive note, KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer are set to return, potentially strengthening the middle order.
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