Hardik Pandya to lead India in T20Is against Sri Lanka: Report

Hardik Pandya will lead India in the three-match T20I series in Sri Lanka, starting on July 27, but is likely to miss the ODI series due to "personal reasons", the PTI reported on July 16 (Tuesday). One of Shubman Gill or Suryakumar Yadav will be his deputy.

"Hardik Pandya was India's T20 vice-captain under Rohit Sharma. He is completely fit and available for the three-match T20I series and will lead the side," a senior BCCI source told PTI on conditions of anonymity.

The three T20Is will be played on July 27, 28 and 30. It’s being reported that Pandya had already informed regular skipper Rohit Sharma, who is also set to miss the ODI series. 

"The break from ODIs is for very personal reasons. Hardik doesn't have any fitness issue as is being floated in the media," the official said.

The ODI captaincy could be handed over to KL Rahul or Gill in their absence. The three ODIs will be played in Colombo on August 2, 4 and 7.

The Sri Lanka tour will also mark the start of the Gautam Gambhir era. The new Indian head coach, along with his yet-to-be-announced support staff will travel to Sri Lanka.

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