Not Hardik Pandya, but ace Indian batter Suryakumar Yadav can become India’s captain for T20 World Cup 2026. With the India squad announcement for IND vs SL series imminent, there is a chance that SKY can be the captain of the side. Reports claim that SKY is slated to be a better captain than Hardik Pandya.
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In the ICC T20 World Cup, Hardik Pandya was the vice-captain to Rohit Sharma. It was expected after Rohit’s retirement, Hardik would be at the helm of things. But the all-rounder has asked for a break in ODIs for personal reasons, despite not being injured. But recent reports claim, the SKY is set to pip Hardik to take the captain’s role in the team.
Who will be India’s T20I captain?
“Hardik Pandya was India’s T2O vice-captain under Rohit Sharma. He is completely fit and available for the three-match T20I series and was supposed to lead the side but there is a very strong feeling that SKY would be the potential leader not only for the Sri Lanka series but till the 2026 World Cup,” a senior BCCI source told PTI on conditions of anonymity.
“Hardik’s break from ODIs is for very personal reasons. He doesn’t have any fitness issue as is being suggested in the media,” the official said.
However, the final call remains with the BCCI. Things will get much clearer once the India Squad for IND vs SL is released. Whether Hardik becomes the permanent captain or whether Suryakumar Yadav pips him, remains to be seen.