Reports: India to appoint new T20I captain for Ireland series, Hardik Pandya likely to be rested

Hardik Pandya. (Photo by Matt King-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)

The Indian team is all set to face Ireland for a three-match T20I series starting from August 18. Visiting Ireland, India are expected to field a second-string team for the series.

Earlier, star all-rounder Hardik Pandya was expected to lead the side for the three-match series. However, recent reports suggest that Pandya could be rested, with his workload being the main reason behind it. Pandya’s workload management could be of great importance to the Indian team, as he could be an integral part of the upcoming World Cup squad and the Asia Cup 2023 as well.

A BCCI source in the know came forward to state that nothing has been finalized yet and everything will depend on how Pandya is feeling after the ODI and T20I series against the West Indies.

“Nothing is finalised yet and it will be also depend on how Hardik is feeling after one-dayers and T20s in the West Indies. There is travelling involved and only a short turnaround of three days before one flies from Florida to Dublin. With the World Cup being of primary importance, one has to factor in his workload. Let’s not forget he will be Rohit’s deputy in the World Cup,” a BCCI source was quoted as saying by Times Now.

With India’s ODI and T20I series against the West Indies set to begin soon and the Asia Cup looming, several players will not be getting enough rest if they do end up traveling to Ireland. It is clear that the players getting proper rest and staying fit for the major competitions is of utmost importance to the BCCI.

Furthermore, big players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will not be a part of the T20I series against the West Indies. Both players haven’t featured in a T20I game since the 2022 World Cup, and their wait will grow even longer as they aim to be in the best shape for the ODI games.