On July 18, Team India announced their squads for the upcoming T20I and ODI series against Sri Lanka, featuring a mix of experience and youthful promise. Senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have been retained in the ODI squad, while Shubman Gill has been named vice-captain for both formats.
Shubmn Gill, who did not make the squad for the recent T20 World Cup, had a notable stint leading the national team in a five-match series against Zimbabwe, showcasing his leadership capabilities.
Gill’s impressive performance as captain has evidently influenced the selectors’ decision to appoint him vice-captain ahead of other candidates such as Rishabh Pant, Sanju Samson, and Hardik Pandya in the T20Is. Former cricketer Aakash Chopra has speculated that the selectors may be grooming Gill as a potential future leader in white-ball cricket.
WATCH – Mark Wood Sets Records With Fastest Test Over For England
In a video on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra commented, “Looking at the ODI squad, Rohit Sharma is the captain and Shubman Gill is the vice-captain. Interestingly, Gill has been appointed vice-captain for both formats. Although KL Rahul might have been a contender for the role, Gill’s inclusion in both teams suggests that he is being seen as a future leader.”
Aakash Chopra also noted the absence of Sanju Samson and the inclusion of Shreyas Iyer, who had a strong performance in the World Cup. “Sanju Samson’s name is missing from the squad. Shreyas Iyer, who had a very good World Cup, is included, as is Shivam Dube in both ODIs and T20Is. This suggests that Dube might be given a more significant role, especially with Hardik Pandya not being part of the ODI squad,” Chopra explained.
Hardik Pandya will participate in the three-match T20I series but has withdrawn from the ODI series due to personal reasons. This move has raised questions about Pandya’s future in ODI cricket. After a six-month injury layoff following the ODI World Cup, Pandya returned to action in the IPL and the T20 World Cup.
ALSO READ: Gautam Gambhir Has Doubts On Bowling Fitness Of Hardik Pandya
His decision to skip the ODI series has led Chopra to question his commitment to the format. “Pandya’s absence from the ODIs suggests a possible shift in his focus or willingness to play the longer format. Given his injury issues and recent break from the game, it’s unclear how his career trajectory will unfold,” Chopra remarked.
