Shikhar Dhawan captained the limited-overs series against Sri Lanka. Team India’s star all-rounder Hardik Pandya was also named in the race. But eventually the selectors stamped Dhawan’s name. India’s Seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been made vice-captain of Team India for the tour. Ahead of the series between India and Sri Lanka, Hardik Pandya’s childhood coach Jitendra Singh says he was disappointed that Hardik was not given the captaincy on the tour of Sri Lanka.
When Cricket Next asked Jitendra Singh whether he was surprised that the leadership had not been handed over to Hardik, he said ‘definitely’. Jitendra Singh said, “He (Hardik) could be a good option to play for five to seven years. They have new ideas and more energy. He could be a good investment (in leadership), especially for the white ball format. Hardik has played 11 Tests, 60 ODIs and 48 T20s for India.
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There have been questions about bowling since Hardik did not bowl over the last two innings of the IPL. He has not bowled regularly while playing for Team India. Hardik’s childhood coach said, ‘I want to do more as a Hardik all-rounder. If they have good alignment and bowling action, they definitely will. They are very serious about their bowling. However, Singh said that Pandya is as good as a batsman because he can bat at any position. The one-day series between India and Sri Lanka will start from July 18.
