In a setback for India’s T20I International squad, star all-rounder Hardik Pandya is unlikely to be available for the upcoming five-match series against Australia, set to commence on November 23. The setback is attributed to Pandya’s ongoing recovery from a left-ankle ligament tear.
Sources within the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) reveal that the team for the home T20I series against Australia will be announced post India’s World Cup semifinal, anticipated to take place in Mumbai on November 15. The decision to delay the squad announcement reflects the uncertainty surrounding India’s World Cup journey.
It is understood that Hardik Pandya’s realistic timeline for a return to the field aligns with the South Africa T20I series scheduled to begin from December 10 in Durban. The BCCI sources emphasize the importance of allowing sufficient time for Pandya’s recovery, ensuring that he returns to action in optimal condition.
As the cricketing fraternity awaits the final word on India’s World Cup fate, the focus shifts to Hardik Pandya’s rehabilitation journey and the prospects of his impactful comeback in the forthcoming South Africa T20I series.
In the upcoming T20I series against Australia following the World Cup, there’s a possibility that either Ruturaj Gaikwad or Suryakumar Yadav will lead the team. Suryakumar Yadav, recognized for his success in the Asian Games, is currently seen as a specialist in white-ball cricket, excelling in both T20Is and ODIs.
Despite his participation in the ODI World Cup, Surya is considered a two-format player, in contrast to established names like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. This strategic decision aims to keep key players, including the prolific pace unit, fresh for the impending Test series.