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As per reports, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to play the squad selected for the Ireland tour even in the T20Is against England. The reason behind using the same squad for both the series is the rescheduling of the fifth Test match to July 1-5, which is two days before the first T20I in Southampton.
"The rescheduled fifth Test between India and England is supposed to be held in Birmingham from July 1-5, while the first T20I of the England series will take place only two days later, on July 7 at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton. It will be difficult for the players involved in the Test to switch to the T201s at such short notice”, a source was quoted as saying.
“ In such a scenario, the squad picked for the two T20ls in Ireland has been asked to go to England after that short series, since that outfit will be in T20 mode. This side will, in fact, play two T20 warm-up matches against local sides while the 'main' Indian team will be playing the Test match against the hosts at the same time," the source added.
Opting for playing the same squad from the Ireland series guarantees that Hardik Pandya will get an increased opportunity to captain the Indian team, especially against a better opponent. Pandya, while addressing his captaincy appointment talked about the work he put in the last six months and equated getting the leadership role to a reward for his hard work.
“I knew at the start of the series. Obviously, it's always an honour to lead your country. Who would have thought 7 months back? Life changes. It can change a lot if you have the right mind and keep working hard,” Hardik said.
“I want the responsibility. It allows me to make the right decision, to manage things. I know I will make the right decisions because I own them,” said the all-rounder. “I know what my role is in the team.”