Former General Manager of Cricket Operations, Saba Karim, has emphasized that appointing India's new T20I captain is the primary responsibility of the current selectors ahead of the upcoming Sri Lanka tour. 

In a recent local sports channel interview, Karim suggested Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav could be top candidates for the role.

Pandya, a frontrunner, has captained India in 16 T20Is in Sharma's absence and served as vice-captain during the T20 World Cup. 

"The first thing that needs to be decided is who will captain in T20Is. Rohit Sharma has retired, he won't play T20Is. So you will have a new captain. I feel there are two contenders," Karim said.

Karim also acknowledged Suryakumar Yadav, the No. 2-ranked T20I batter, as a strong contender. He highlighted Yadav's leadership and performance during India's 4-1 series win against Australia at home last year.

"I feel the discussion should be about SKY because Suryakumar Yadav captained India in the home series against Australia. India defeated Australia there, and he also batted well. So he can definitely come forward as an option," he said.

"If the selectors feel Hardik Pandya has played a fantastic role and can do the same as a captain as well, he can definitely be the ideal candidate. So I feel these are the two contenders," he added.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is tasked with selecting a new T20I captain following Rohit Sharma's recent retirement from the shortest format of international cricket. Sharma concluded his T20I career on a high note, leading India to victory in the T20 World Cup.