Hardik Pandya was expected to replace Rohit Sharma as T20I captain after the latter announced retirement from the shortest format. However, the situation has changed and the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee is likely to snub Hardik for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka.

According to the Press Trust of India, Gautam Gambhir and Agarkar want Suryakumar Yadav to lead India till the 2026 T20 World Cup.

The decision makers are looking for a long-term stability and Gautam and Ajit have already explained the decision to Hardik.

Pandya was India’s regular skipper in the shortest format after the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia. However, his injury forced the BCCI to bring back Rohit Sharma for the global tournament in 2024.

SKY played under Gambhir’s captaincy during their association with the Kolkata Knight Riders. Yadav was KKR’s vice-captain for a few years.

Suryakumar led India in seven T20I during Hardik’s absence. India defeated Australia by 4-1 while the series against South Africa finished 1-1.