India is utilizing the upcoming three-match series against Sri Lanka to test their depth without Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and KL Rahul. Hardik Pandya takes the helm as captain, hoping to kick off his leadership journey with a decisive win. Even though the focus is heavily on the 2023 ODI World Cup, this series is all about long-term strategy and preparing for the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Indian T20 team is ready to prepare for the future without the Big Three, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and KL Rahul when it takes on Sri Lanka in the three-match series. Hardik Pandya is expected to begin his T20I captaincy tenure on a bold note and also with a good series win. Though the shortest format does not have much priority as ODI World Cup will be played in 2023, Hardik-led men will start their planning for the future especially the 2024 T20 World Cup.
The absence of India's most renowned senior players means the team must now learn to win without relying on them. Lately, the squad has struggled with a lack of boldness, often failing to play the fearless brand of cricket required in the shortest format.
Prioritizing personal milestones over collective success has hindered the team, potentially leading to their poor T20 World Cup results. In the first T20I at Wankhede, Ishan Kishan and Ruturaj Gaikwad are slated to open, both having shown they can handle the pressure in recent outings.
At the number three position, Hardik will lean on the world's top-ranked T20 batsman, Suryakumar Yadav. Deepak Hooda may be included to give the captain an extra bowling option. Meanwhile, Rahul Tripathi might remain on the sidelines as Sanju Samson is likely to be preferred due to his experience. The action begins today in Mumbai at 7 pm as India takes on Sri Lanka.