Suryakumar Yadav or this youngster to lead Team India against Australia? | Hardik Pandya injury update

Cricket World Cup 2023 might end on November 19 but there will no rest for Team India as they are scheduled to play a 5-match T20I series against Australia at home, starting November 23.

However, senior players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and KL Rahul are likely to be rested for the series.

Hardik Pandya, who was ruled out of the World Cup due to an ankle injury, is also not likely to return for the Australia series.

A BCCI source told PTI, '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 'Return To Play' during the South Africa series. It will certainly be NCA Sports science team's call.'

According to reports, T20 vice-captain Suryakumar Yadav and Asian Games gold-winning skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad are top contenders to lead the Men in Blue in the absence of the leadership group.

The BCCI is likely to pick India's squad for the Australia series after the World Cup semifinal, which in all likelihood will be played in Mumbai on November 15.