Following the culmination of the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023, India is gearing up for a challenging T20I series against Australia, featuring five matches set to commence on November 23 in Vizag. The subsequent games are scheduled for Thiruvananthapuram (November 26), Guwahati (November 28), Nagpur (December 1), and Hyderabad (December 3).
In a setback for the Indian team, ace all-rounder Hardik Pandya is expected to miss the series due to a left ankle injury that resulted in ligament damage. Reports indicate that Pandya needs additional time for recovery, and his fitness will be reassessed post the World Cup semi-final.
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A BCCI source conveyed, “There is some time before Hardik can be declared fit and available for selection. It would be more practical for him to try and complete his rehabilitation with a possible ‘RTP’ (return to play) during SA series. It will certainly be NCA Sports science team’s call,” as reported by News18.
Hardik Pandya is likely to miss the Australia T20I series; Suryakumar Yadav and Ruturaj Gaikwad are potential contenders for the captaincy role.#HardikPandya #SuryaKumarYadav #RuturajGaikwad #IndianCricketTeam #IndianCricket #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/23VooS5YOb
— Bhavesh Gujrati (@bhavlivelife) November 10, 2023
With Pandya unavailable, the selection committee is contemplating the inclusion of either Suryakumar Yadav or Ruturaj Gaikwad as his replacement in the T20I series against Australia. Depending on fitness levels, Suryakumar Yadav might step in, with Ruturaj Gaikwad as the next viable option.
Currently, the Indian squad is showcasing its prowess in the ODI World Cup 2023. Unbeaten in the tournament, India has secured a flawless record, becoming the first team to qualify for the knockout stages.
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With a string of impressive performances, the Men in Blue aim to replicate their success in the upcoming semi-finals and potentially clinch the title. The final squad for the T20I series against Australia will be announced after the conclusion of India’s World Cup semi-final campaign.
