Why is Hardik Pandya not playing today’s IND vs SL 3rd T20I?

Hardik Pandya has been rested for the third and final T20I between India and Sri Lanka at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, July 30. The Men in Blue made wholesale changes as four new players were included in India’s playing XI. Shivam Dube came in as a like-for-like replacement for Pandya for the dead rubber.

At the toss, India captain Suryakumar Yadav said:

“We have four guys resting - Hardik, Axar, Rishabh and Arshdeep.”

The host of changes comes after the visitors won the T20I series by taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-game affair. The win also marked the beginning of a new era under new head coach Gautam Gambhir and new skipper Yadav after the 2024 T20 World Cup.

Hardik Pandya failed to deliver in the opening game but scored an unbeaten 22 and took two wickets in the second T20I. India won the rain-curtailed game by seven wickets via the DLS method. The 30-year-old is unavailable for the ODI series.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka have dropped Dasun Shanaka after back-to-back ducks. Chamindu Wickramasinghe replaced him in the XI.

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“He should play as much as he can” – Ravi Shastri urges Hardik Pandya to return to peak form after captaincy snub

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri wants Hardik Pandya to play as many games as possible to stay 100 percent fit after being ignored as the T20I skipper following Rohit Sharma’s retirement from the format. The cricketer-turned-commentator recently told the ICC:

“I think (it's) very important that he continues to play. I believe match fitness is very important. So, whatever T20I cricket there is, he should play as much as he can. And if he feels strong and fit, then obviously, he comes into the side for the one-day game as well.

"But then again, the bowling becomes important. If you have someone coming and bowling just three overs in where you have to bowl 10 in a one-day game, then the balance of the side takes a hit. If you can bowl consistently eight to 10 overs every game and then bat the way he does, I think he'll play in one-day cricket as well,” he added.

Hardik Pandya might return for the three T20Is in Bangladesh in October. The Men in Blue are also scheduled to play four T20Is in South Africa in November.

Follow the IND vs SL 3rd T20I live score and updates here.