The selection of the team will take place later this week as India will play 3 ODIs and T20Is each in the Island nation. With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retired from the shortest format, it is likely that Hardik Pandya, if not rested, will be named the captain whereas KL Rahul can lead the ODI side.
As per a report in India Today, Gambhir's first meeting with the Ajit Agarkar-led BCCI selection committee is scheduled for later this week.
It is understood that Gambhir is keen to have two different captains for the two formats. For ODIs in the upcoming Lankan tour, Rahul is being considered to take charge. The wicketkeeper-batter, who has been consistent for India at No.5 in ODIs, has captaincy experience in the shorter format. He led India to an ODI series win in South Africa last year.
Hardik, on the other hand, is likely to lead the Indian T20I side. He has led India in T20Is during Rohit Sharma's break and served as Hitman's deputy in the 2024 T20 World Cup, in West Indies and the USA.
"It is expected that in the absence of Rohit, Hardik and KL are the options to be given the responsibility of captain.
Both have captained the team earlier," a top source in BCCI told India Today.
"If Hardik is not available for the T20Is, you might see Suryakumar Yadav as captain in T20Is and Rahul in ODIs. But for now, it seems that Hardik and KL will lead the team," the source further added.
After India's T20 WC triumph, in the recently-held 20-nation mega event, Rohit, Kohli and even Jasprit Bumrah are expected to be rested for the entire SL tour.
India's tour commences on July 27 and will conclude on August 7. The trio of Rohit, Bumrah and Kohli are likely to be back before the commencement of India's home season in September.