Not Hardik Pandya! Mumbai Indians star in contention to lead India for T20Is against AUS: Reports

The Indian cricket team, which is aiming to win the trophy at home for the first time since 2011, has advanced to the the semifinals of the current ICC ODI World Cup 2023. But even when the 2023 World Cup ends, cricket fans won't stop talking because India and Australia will soon face off in an exciting five-match T20 International series.

3 things you need to know 

• India,  Australia and South Africa have qualified for the semifinals of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 
• India is likely to play New Zealand in the semifinals of the ODI WC
• India will be seen in action against Australia right after the World Cup ends 

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Hardik Pandya's Injury and Team Leadership Speculations

Since the T20 World Cup in 2022, Hardik Pandya has been India's constant leader in T20I series, with a few exceptions. For example, he missed the series against Ireland to rest and because it clashed with the Asia Cup, which kept India's 2023 World Cup team from going. Hardik suffered an injury in his ankle during the 2023 World Cup, so it doesn't look like he'll be able to play in the upcoming Australia game.

Reports from the Press Trust of India (PTI) say that Hardik's return in the Australia series doesn't look likely. A more likely return is expected during the December tour of South Africa. A BCCI source said that the NCA Sports science team would decide if Hardik is proved ready to play, which could mean that he could come back during the South Africa series.

Since Hardik Pandya isn't playing, there is talk about who might lead the team in the upcoming series against Australia. Suryakumar Yadav and Ruturaj Gaikwad look like they could be possibilities. If he doesn't want to rest, Suryakumar, who has been vice-captain of the team for the past year, seems like a good choice. However, most 2023 World Cup players are likely to rest before the important Test series against South Africa. This means that Suryakumar, who is not in India's red-ball teams, could lead the T20I series. On the other hand, Ruturaj Gaikwad is available to lead the team if Suryakumar decides to rest.

Also Read: 'Let's Stick With The Same Plan': Eoin Morgan Tells England To Focus On 2025 

Squad Announcement Anticipation and Rest Strategy

India is expected to face New Zealand in the World Cup semi-final in Mumbai on November 15. The release of the roster for the Australia series is not expected until after that game. Most players will have some time off after the World Cup, creating an interesting selection dilemma while also thinking about the impending Test series against South Africa. In anticipation of an interesting post-World Cup series against Australia,  reports emphasises the expectation and uncertainties around player injuries as well as the leadership dynamic within the Indian cricket team.