India’s tour of Sri Lanka: Hardik Pandya, Shikhar Dhawan in line for captaincy

Veteran opener Shikhar Dhawan and flamboyant allrounder- turned specialist batsman Hardik Pandya will likely be locked in a two-way struggle for India captaincy if Shreyas Iyer doesn’t get slot in time for the white-ball tour of Sri Lanka in July.
India’s limited-overs specialists will likely be taking part in three T20 Internationals and as many ODIs within the island nation in the course of the second half of July, when massive weapons like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will likely be in England for a marquee five-match Test sequence.
“It is still not clear if Shreyas will recover fully and will be match-fit in time for tour of Sri Lanka. Normally, a surgery of this scale along with rest, extensive rehab and training to get back in shape takes around four months,” a senior BCCI supply aware of choice issues instructed PTI on situations of anonymity.
“In case Shreyas was available, he would have been the automatic choice for captaincy.”
It’s solely logical that the 2 contenders for captaincy are 35-year-old Dhawan, who has had good “one and half IPLs” in final two seasons and Pandya junior, who is likely one of the most completed match-winners.
“Shikhar has had two very good IPL including this curtailed one and being the senior most among those who are available for selection, he is a very strong contender. Also he has been a solid performer for India for past eight years,” an official mentioned.
As far as Hardik is anxious, his status as a white-ball match-winner can’t be discounted both.
“Yes, Hardik hasn’t been regularly bowling for MI or India in recent times. However, he is the man with x-factor and among options available. He is miles ahead of his peers in terms of being an impact performer. And who knows, may be extra responsibility brings the best out of him.”
Pandya was included within the four-Test sequence at house towards England in order that his bowling workload is elevated maintaining the England tour in thoughts however it’s learnt that the Baroda man is unlikely to bowl greater than an odd over or two within the shortest format or ODI in close to future.
“Hardik, after his again surgical procedure to remedy stress fracture, will not be the identical bowler anymore. He was a quick medium bowler earlier than harm however to bowl at a brisk 135 kmph plus tempo persistently, it might influence his again.
“So he is focussing more on his match finishing skills,” an individual within the know of issues mentioned.