Indian T20 team is ready to prepare for the future without the Big Three, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and KL Rahul when it takes on Sri Lanka in the three-match series. Hardik Pandya is expected to begin his T20I captaincy tenure on a bold note and also with a good series win. Though the shortest format does not have much priority as ODI World Cup will be played in 2023, Hardik-led men will start their planning for the future especially the 2024 T20 World Cup.

India’s senior and top-famed ‘Big Three’ are not part of the squad and irrespective of their T20 future, men in blue must prepare for a future without them. The problem with the Indian T20 side in the recent past has been a distinct lack of intent and ability to play fearless cricket.

The player’s idea of individual impactful performance was hurting the team and perhaps the same paved the way for a poor show in the T20 World Cup. Ishan Kishan and Ruturaj Gaikwad would be the opening combination for the first T20I at the high-scoring Wankhede Stadium. Both batters have proven their potential in recent times.

At no.3, Hardik will rely on the world’s No.1 T20 batter Suryakumar Yadav. Deepak Hooda could get a chance as it will provide the skipper with a sixth bowling option. Rahul Tripathi has been warming the bench for a while now and it could continue as Sanju Samson would grab his spot, on account of the experience. India and Sri Lanka will lock horns in the series opener today at 7 pm in Mumbai.