With Hardik Pandya out of IND vs AUS T20 series, Ruturaj Gaikwad is expected to lead India. The T20 series starts on Nov 23, after the Cricket World Cup final. The BCCI Medical team advised Pandya to rest for 6-8 weeks after sustaining a ligament tear during a match against Bangladesh on Oct 19. As a result, Prasidh Krishna will replace him. Pandya aims to return for the white-ball series against South Africa in December. Since Pandya is not fully fit, Gaikwad is favored to lead India as most of the Cricket World Cup squad will have a break. Suryakumar Yadav, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will also rest. Prasidh Krishna will return to the squad for the IND vs AUS T20 series, which will be similar to the Asian Games 2023 squad that won a gold medal. VVS Laxman will coach India during the series, with Sitanshu Kotak and Sairaj Bahutule as his associates. Rahul Dravid and his coaching staff will be back for the South Africa tour. If Dravid extends his contract after the Cricket World Cup, he will continue to coach the team.
