Hardik Pandya and Natasa Stankovic have officially ended their relationship. Both posted a joint statement on Instagram explaining they had decided to separate amicably.

Under the guidance of new head coach Gautam Gambhir, the selection process has been marked by a clear focus on future roles and specific requirements, leading to notable inclusions and exclusions from the squad.

Suryakumar Yadav has been appointed as the new captain of the Indian T20I team, replacing Rohit Sharma for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) made the announcement regarding India's squad on Tuesday, 18 July.

"Hardik Pandya was India's T2O vice-captain under Rohit Sharma. He is completely fit and available for the three-match T20I series and will lead the side," a senior BCCI source shared on conditions of anonymity. 

Over 3.5 lakh fans gathered in Vadodara to welcome home cricket star Hardik Pandya in a victory parade celebrating his key role in India's triumph at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, held in the USA and West Indies. The city streets were packed as the parade stretched over a 5.5 km route, with fans cheering and chanting Pandya's name.

Pandya has so far scored 89 runs in three innings with a strike-rate of 141, besides taking eight wickets.

India advanced to the Super Eight stage unbeaten, having triumphed over Ireland, Pakistan, and the USA. Their final group match against Canada was called off due to a wet outfield in Florida.

"When he wears that blue jersey, he will be a different Hardik Pandya because we know he can score those runs and take those wickets. I want Hardik to come good as he has gone through a lot and I wish him all the very best to have a very good tournament for India," Harbhajan said.

Former India cricketer Yuvraj Singh has picked Rishabh Pant over Sanju Samson for the wicket-keeper's role in the playing XI and also backed under-fire Hardik Pandya to produce something "special" in the T20 World Cup despite enduring a torrid form.

"It was quite difficult. We did not play good quality cricket, which eventually cost us the whole season," Pandya said after MI's 18-run loss to Lucknow Super Giants. 

Pandya was handed over the captaincy after the franchise removed national captain Rohit Sharma, something that the fans didn't really embrace with the colourful Baroda all-rounder being booed every time he entered the pitch. 

The announcement, made following a concise meeting involving BCCI secretary Jay Shah, chief selector Ajit Agarkar, and skipper Rohit Sharma, who reportedly joined virtually, confirms the composition of the formidable squad.