After a prolonged wait, the BCCI has finally released the Indian squads for the white-ball tour of Sri Lanka, introducing several new faces and notable changes. One of the most significant talking points has been the vice-captaincy for the ODI team. Despite Rohit Sharma remaining the captain, and the return of former vice-captain KL Rahul, it was expected that Rahul would resume his position.
Shubman Gill Takes Vice-Captaincy
However, in an unexpected turn of events, the BCCI has appointed Shubman Gill as the vice-captain for both the ODI and T20I formats. Gill, who recently led the Indian side in the T20I series against Zimbabwe, has overtaken veterans like KL Rahul and the in-form Rishabh Pant for this role. This decision highlights the BCCI’s focus on promoting fresh talent as experienced stars like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli approach the twilight of their careers.
The KL Rahul vs. Rishabh Pant Debate
With the vice-captaincy settled, the next big question revolves around the starting XI, specifically the roles of KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant. Who will take on the wicket-keeping duties if both are in the playing XI?
- KL Rahul: After temporarily captaining India in an ODI series against South Africa in late 2023, Rahul proved his ability to perform with the bat and keep wickets. He also played a crucial role in India’s ODI World Cup campaign.
- Rishabh Pant: Pant made a remarkable comeback after a severe accident, impressing with his performance in the IPL 2024 for Delhi Capitals. His efforts earned him a spot in the 2024 T20 World Cup squad, where India emerged victorious.
The Gautam Gambhir Era Begins
Newly-appointed coach Gautam Gambhir now faces the “pleasant dilemma” of choosing between two strong wicket-keeping options. Unfortunately, this battle between Rahul and Pant has impacted Sanju Samson’s chances.
Sanju Samson’s Struggle
Samson, despite scoring a brilliant century in his last ODI against South Africa at Paarl and achieving his best-ever IPL season with 531 runs, has not secured a consistent spot in the team. Gambhir’s focus on nurturing younger players for long-term success means Samson might continue to face limited opportunities.
Conclusion
As the Indian team prepares for the tour of Sri Lanka, the new squad selections and leadership decisions mark a shift towards future-oriented team building. Fans eagerly await to see how these changes will play out on the field.
| Player | Role | Notable Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| Shubman Gill | Vice-Captain | Led India in T20I series against Zimbabwe |
| KL Rahul | Wicketkeeper-Batsman | ODI World Cup participant |
| Rishabh Pant | Wicketkeeper-Batsman | Impressive comeback in IPL 2024 |
| Sanju Samson | Batsman | Scored century against South Africa at Paarl |
Read: Suryakumar Yadav Named New T20I Captain, Shubman Gill Is Rohit Sharma’s Deputy for ODIs As India Squads Announced for Sri Lanka Tour
Read: 3 Players Dropped From Indian Team For Sri Lanka ODIs