New contenders for India's T20I captain and vice-captain revealed

Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya is expected to be named the new T20I captain following Rohit Sharma's successful tenure, during which he led the Men in Blue to victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup.

Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah is poised to be appointed as the vice-captain of the Indian team.

India is currently playing a five-match T20I series against Zimbabwe, with Shubman Gill leading the young team. However, his captaincy will be brief, as Hardik Pandya will take over as the permanent T20I captain from the next series onwards.

According to media reports, the selectors rewarded the captaincy after his exemplary performance in the T20 World Cup. While Jasprit Bumrah and Suryakumar Yadav were also considered, Hardik emerged as the front-runner and will lead the team in the upcoming T20I series against Sri Lanka.

The Indian management aims to establish a settled core for the 2026 T20 World Cup, beginning with Hardik's appointment. The official announcement will be made as the Sri Lanka series approaches.

Additionally, Jasprit Bumrah, who was named Player of the Tournament in the World Cup, will be appointed as a long-term captain.