After days of anticipation, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) finally announced Team India’s squad for the upcoming white-ball tour to Sri Lanka, involving three ODIs and as many T20Is. There have been many talking points on the squad selection, with Suryakumar Yadav appointment as T20I skipper over Hardik Pandya generating most of the buzz. The non-selection of Ravindra Jadeja also offers an indication if Gautam Gambhir sees him as a long-term option or not. However, by the end of July 18, a bombshell dropped when Pandya announced his separation with Natasa Stankovic.
Worst phase possible for Hardik Pandya?
When it rains, it pours! This adage fits (unfortunately) perfectly for Hardik Pandya currently, who is enduring probably his worst phase. Despite being India’s vice-captain at the T20 World Cup 2024, Pandya was snubbed. Instead, BCCI chose Suryakumar Yadav as the new T20I skipper for the Sri Lanka, despite Pandya being in the squad. However, things got immensely worse for the premier all-rounder, when he took to his Instagram and let fans know about his divorce with Natasa, whom he got married in 2020.
Gautam Gambhir wins Virat Kohli
Despite all the rumors about their disagreements and altercations on the field, we embark on a new Gautam Gambhir-Virat Kohli chapter. There was an apprehension that Kohli might miss the ODIs against Sri Lanka. However, when reports emerged that the modern-day great made himself available for selection on demand of his new head coach, it looked like Gambhir had won the first assignment. And when India finally announced the squad, it got the stamp that we all wanted.
No SANJU SAMSON?
Sanju Samson has endured quite a few snubs in his international career thus far, with the latest one being coming with his place in ODI team. With KL Rahul being a sure shot wicket-keeper in the 50-over format, the tie was between Sanju Samson and Rishabh Pant. However, Pant is seen more of an all-format player, thus getting included in both the teams. Samson could feel that the management could’ve included him instead of Riyan Parag.
BCCI Secretary Jay Shah to attend IND vs PAK Asia Cup clash!
Team India opens their Women’s Asia Cup defense against Pakistan today in Dambulla. BCCI secretary Jay Shah is expected to attend the high-octane match. Shah already in Sri Lanka for the ICC’s annual conference where discussions about the Champions Trophy, alongside several other topics, will be held
A World Record on Day 1 of ENG vs WI 2nd Test!
England’s new aggressive ‘Bazball’ style, took the second Test against West Indies by storm. They lost a wicket early but Duckett exploded with 11 fours in the first 5 overs! This carnage helped England reach the fastest Test fifty ever in just 4.2 overs, beating their own previous record of 2002. Pope joined the party with a splendid century later in the day. The hosts were ultimately bundled out at 416.
Shubman Gill – locked in as future India captain?
Shubman Gill has been named India’s vice-captain for the Sri Lanka series (ODIs & T20Is). This comes after his successful leadership in the recent Zimbabwe T20Is, where he led India to a 4-1 win. The BCCI’s move suggests Gill is being groomed for future captaincy. While his place in the T20I squad was uncertain, his vice-captaincy practically guarantees selection in both formats.
Team India squads vs Sri Lanka
T20I: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Ꮪhubman Gill (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rinku Singh, Riyan Parag, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sanju Samson (WK), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, Mohd. Siraj.
ODI: Rohit Sharma (C), Ꮪhubman Gill (VC), Virat Kohli, KL Rahul (WK), Rishabh Pant (WK), Shreyas Iyer, Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Riyan Parag, Axar Patel, Khaleel Ahmed, Harshit Rana.
