Amit Mishra names top three players for India's T20I captaincy

Former Indian spinner Amit Mishra has raised concerns about the decision to appoint Shubman Gill as the captain of the Indian team for the T20 series against Zimbabwe. 

Despite India's commanding 4-1 victory in the five-match series, Mishra's doubts about Gill's leadership abilities have sparked a debate within the cricketing community.

In a recent interview on a local podcast, Mishra did not hold back his criticism, stating, "I would not have made him the captain. You saw in the IPL this season Gill doesn’t know how to be captain of this side; he was clueless.” 

The 41-year-old also suggested that other seasoned players could have been considered for the role. He named Sanju Samson, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Rishabh Pant as potential alternatives for the captaincy. 

“There’s Sanju Samson, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Rishabh Pant, who can lead the T20 side as well,” he said.

 India's limited-overs series against Sri Lanka begins with the T20Is on July 27, followed by the ODIs starting on August 2 and concluding on August 7. After this series, there is a six-week gap before India plays Bangladesh in the first Test in Chennai on September 19.

The Indian squads for the Sri Lanka tour, comprising three T20Is and three ODIs, is likely to be announced today. 

India vs Sri Lanka Schedule:

T20I Series:

• 1st T20I: July 27 - 6:30 PM - Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele
• 2nd T20I: July 28 - 6:30 PM - Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele
• 3rd T20I: July 30 - 6:30 PM - Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele

ODI Series:

• 1st ODI: August 2 - 2:00 PM - R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo
• 2nd ODI: August 4 - 2:00 PM - R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo
• 3rd ODI: August 7 - 2:00 PM - R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo