Wilderness to captaincy contention: Shreyas Iyer's remarkable T20I comeback

Shreyas Iyer's elevation to India's T20I captaincy appears all but certain. When the formal announcement is made on Saturday afternoon, it will complete one of the most remarkable comeback stories in Indian cricket.

After almost 30 months in the T20I wilderness, Iyer is forcing his way back into contention. His IPL credentials as both batter and captain have become so convincing that even those perceived as less than favourably disposed towards him can no longer overlook his claim.

With more than 600 runs last season and close to 500 this year, Iyer has built a strong case as a batter. Equally impressive has been his leadership of Punjab Kings, where he earned widespread praise for inspiring a young squad.

Punjab Kings head coach Ricky Ponting predicted Iyer would become India's T20I captain. Iyer recently joined the elite group of IPL captains to have led their teams in more than 100 matches.

Since Iyer's name gained traction, there was curiosity about the views of India head coach Gautam Gambhir, who enjoyed a successful professional association with him at Kolkata Knight Riders. It is understood Gambhir has welcomed the prospect of working with Iyer. Should the appointment be confirmed, they face significant assignments ahead including the next T20 World Cup and the Los Angeles Games in 2028.

Iyer will succeed Suryakumar Yadav, who seems to have failed to make his case for continuation. Runs have been hard to come by for Suryakumar at international and domestic level. His dismissal for five in the T20 Mumbai League was the latest setback in a prolonged slump since the T20 World Cup.

Hardik Pandya on way to recovery

Hardik Pandya is close to regaining full fitness for the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan beginning June 13 in Dharamshala. After the IPL, Pandya took a short break in France before reporting to the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru for rehabilitation.

Pandya's back injury kept him out of four IPL games. He is expected to remain at the Bengaluru facility till June 10, then fly to Dharamshala on June 11 to link up with the ODI side. Pandya has not featured in ODIs for more than 15 months.

Pandya's selection was conditional pending fitness clearance, as announced by the BCCI.

There is no immediate update on Rohit Sharma, who was also conditionally picked for the Afghanistan series. The former India captain has yet to report to the BCCI's Centre of Excellence, though those close to him maintain he should be fit. Rohit suffered a hamstring injury during the IPL that kept him out of five matches.

Virat Kohli is doubtful for the Afghanistan ODIs after suffering a hamstring injury during the IPL final on May 31.