By The BCCI is yet to announce the team India’s squad for the upcoming T20I series against Australia.
Earlier this month, news agency PTI reported that injured T20I captain Hardik Pandya is unlikely to be available for the Australia series as the star all-rounder will require more time to recover from his left-ankle ligament tear.
According to PTI sources in the BCCI, a more practical scenario for Hardik would be to get fit by the time the South Africa T20 series starts from December 10 in Durban.
“There is some time before Hardik can be declared fit and available for selection. It would be more practical for him to try and complete his rehabilitation with a possible ‘RTP’ (Return To Play) during SA series. It will certainly be NCA Sports science team’s call,” a senior BCCI source privy to the developments told PTI on conditions of anonymity.
It is understood that either Suryakumar Yadav, the designated vice-captain of the T20I side, or Asian Games gold-winning skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad will be leading the side.
Seniors like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul and the pace unit, which needs to be fresh for the South Africa Test series are likely to be rested.
