Hardik Pandya, Shubman Gill likely to be rested for India's tour of Ireland - Reports

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Published at :July 21, 2023 at 5:05 AM

Modified at :July 21, 2023 at 5:05 AM

Hardik Pandya will lead India in five-match T20I series against West Indies starting on August 3.

The Rohit Sharma-led team is currently on tour in the West Indies. The two-match Test series is underway, with the visitors registering a big win by an innings and 141 runs in the first game. The test series will be followed by three ODIs, starting on July 27, and the five-match T20I series will begin on August 3. The ongoing tour will conclude on August 13.

And with a gap of four days, Team India will play another series in Ireland. Both teams will face each other in three T20Is, starting on August 18. With not much time between the two series and two big events coming up, the BCCI is planning to give breaks to India's regulars. It means we might see T20I captain Hardik Pandya and Shubman Gill rested for the Ireland T20I series.

BCCI to give breaks to Hardik Pandya and Shubham Gill for the Ireland T20 series - Reports

India are scheduled to play two big tournaments in the coming 3–4 months, which will require fit and fresh players. The Asia Cup 2023 will be played in August–September, while the 2023 ODI World Cup will take place in India between October and November. Looking at the packed schedule, the BCCI is planning to give rest to Hardik Pandya and Shubham Gill for the three T20Is in Ireland after the West Indies tour.

According to some media reports, a BCCI source in anonymity told PTI that apart from seniors, Hardik and Gill might be rested. Hardik is a key player in India's ODI team, and with his all-round ability, he gives the team great balance. On the other hand, Gill has become a regular in all three formats. The BCCI source told, "Nothing is finalised yet and it will also depend on how Hardik Pandya is feeling after the one-dayers and T20Is in the West Indies. With 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.'

Hardik Pandya will play an important role in ODIs and T20Is against the West Indies. There will be eight games in just 18 days scheduled in the West Indies and the United States. If in case, Hardik travels to Ireland after the West Indies, he might directly travel to India before traveling to Sri Lanka for the Asia Cup, which will make his workload heavier.

Karan Rawat

Karan Rawat is a seasoned cricket writer with a deep passion for the game and over 5 years of experience covering everything that the game can offer. He loves to share the analysis, match reports, and player profiles and tries to bring stories to life with a unique blend of statistics and storytelling. Whether breaking down Test match tactics or capturing the drama of a T20 thriller, Karan's work connects fans with the soul of the sport.