Hardik Pandya set to be rested for Ireland tour, new captain likely for 3-match T20I series

With Hardik Pandya set to be part of the upcoming Asia Cup preparatory camp in late August, the BCCI is likely to appoint a new captain for the 3-match T20I series against Ireland.

According to Cricbuzz, Hardik Pandya, who was expected to lead the side in Ireland, will most likely be rested before the week-long camp scheduled to begin on August 24-25 in Bengaluru.

The three T20Is against Ireland are set for August 18, 20, and 23, immediately following the conclusion of the five-match series against West Indies. And considering the quick turnaround between the Ireland series and the preparatory camp, Hardik is unlikely to be on the plane to Ireland.

While the identity of the new captain remains uncertain, it is clear that head coach Rahul Dravid intends for all players selected for the Asia Cup to attend the preparatory camp in Bengaluru. The only possible exception might be Jasprit Bumrah, who is being managed cautiously, with the team management and selectors aiming to limit his workload to not more than four overs in the T20 games. Bumrah is coming off a 10-month injury break, during which he underwent surgery.

The week-long camp is scheduled to begin on August 24-25, before the team travels to Sri Lanka for the Asia Cup, taking place from August 30 to September 17. India's first match in the championship is against arch-rivals Pakistan on September 2. Due to this pre-planned camp, Dravid and his support staff have also been relieved of their duties for the Ireland T20I series from August 18 to 23.

Meanwhile, the Indian team has arrived in Barbados for two of the three ODIs against West Indies, to be played on July 27 and 29. Hardik, Sanju Samson, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, and Umran Malik have joined the team for the ODIs.

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