SKY leads, Pandya strolls!

"It was always decided like that," were the words of a BCCI official when Mid-Day approached the board for a comment after India's squads for the upcoming Sri Lanka series were announced on Thursday evening.

"We were prepared to announce some very interesting names on this tour. The Board is keen on training youngsters so they could bear the mantle in the coming years. I can't comment anything on Hardik (Pandya), the young must be given a chance too," he added, requesting anonymity.

Interesting indeed, as seen by newly-elected head coach Gautam Gambhir's influential presence in the selection process. It is believed that the former India opener made a resounding entry into his role by wisely orchestrating the appointment of Suryakumar Yadav as the new T20 captain, a decision that sidelined Pandya, initially seen as a frontrunner for the leadership mantle following Rohit Sharma's retirement from the format.

Gautam Gambhir

The forthcoming white-ball series against Sri Lanka represents more than just a routine bilateral engagement for Gambhir, whose strategic alignment with chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar on matters of captaincy was evident on Thursday.

Both Gambhir and Agarkar concurred unanimously on elevating Suryakumar to captaincy, looking ahead to the joint hosting of the T20 World Cup by India and Sri Lanka in 2026. This series against Sri Lanka serves as a crucial precursor to that event.

The decision to overlook Pandya for the T20 captaincy was communicated to him on Tuesday by both Agarkar and Gambhir, marking a tough but necessary call. Pandya, celebrated for his pivotal role as vice-captain in India's recent World Cup triumph and his memorable last over in the final against South Africa, also served as vice-captain during the 50-over World Cup last year before being sidelined due to injury. With Shubman Gill now assuming deputy roles in both T20Is and ODIs, it is naturally evident that the selection committee and Gambhir are looking beyond Pandya for leadership prospects.

Pandya's frequent injury setbacks played a significant role in the decision-making process. He participated in only 46 out of 79 T20I games since January 2022, while Suryakumar's missed matches were minimal and primarily due to a hernia surgery.

Suryakumar's leadership credentials were bolstered by India's successful campaigns under his captaincy, including a 4-1 triumph over Australia in a T20I series last November and a commendable 1-1 draw in South Africa.

Despite being excluded from T20Is, Pandya remains a part of the squad and has opted out of ODIs due to personal reasons.

With only six ODIs left in 2024, including the Sri Lanka series, which is the final installment before next year's Champions Trophy, it is believed that both captain Rohit Sharma and key batsman Virat Kohli have opted for early return to national duty. Their return ensures that Gambhir can strategise effectively regarding team combinations.

Meanwhile, Jasprit Bumrah, the linchpin of India's pace attack and often referred to as the team's 'Kohinoor', has been rested strategically, while Ravindra Jadeja's exclusion aims to preserve him for the upcoming 10 Test matches, split equally between home and away fixtures.

As things are turning out, Gambhir's debut series as head coach signals a transformative phase for Indian cricket, marked by strategic decisions aimed at long-term success and rejuvenation across formats. The meticulous planning and bold choices made by the 42-year-old and the selection panel underscore their commitment to navigating challenges and positioning India as a formidable force in global cricketing arenas.