Chief selector Ajit Agarkar explains the reason behind Hardik Pandya’s T20I captaincy snub

In a surprising move, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has appointed Suryakumar Yadav as the captain of the Indian T20 International (T20I) team for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka, replacing Hardik Pandya. This decision has stirred considerable discussion among cricket enthusiasts, as many expected Pandya to succeed Rohit Sharma following Rohit’s retirement from T20 cricket.

Ajit Agarkar, Chairman of the BCCI selection committee, addressed the media in a recent press conference alongside newly-appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir to elaborate on the rationale behind this unexpected captaincy change.

Ajit Agarkar reveals why Hardik Pandya was overlooked for India’s T20I captaincy

Agarkar emphasised that while Hardik remains a vital asset to the team, his ongoing fitness issues played a significant role in the selectors’ decision. “Hardik Pandya is still a very important player for us. However, his fitness challenges have influenced our decision. It’s crucial for the coaches and selectors to have players who are consistently available. We have observed the demands on Hardik, and we believe that managing his workload is essential for his longevity in the sport.”

Agarkar explained the qualities that made Suryakumar a suitable captain: “We believe Surya possesses the leadership qualities necessary to guide the team. His performance, temperament, and understanding of the game make him a natural fit for this role.”

Despite the change in leadership, Agarkar reassured that Hardik’s contributions to the team are highly valued. He said, “Hardik has been phenomenal with both the bat and ball, especially in the World Cup. We have discussed his role with him, and he remains a key player for us.”

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Hardik’s proven leadership and stellar performance

Hardik, who has served as the vice-captain of the Indian cricket team in both ODI and T20I formats, has consistently demonstrated his leadership capabilities. He captained the Gujarat Titans in the 2021 and 2022 IPL editions, leading the team to victory in the 2021 season. More recently, he captained the Mumbai Indians in the 2024 IPL.

His impressive performance in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, where he scored 144 runs and took 11 wickets across eight matches, further underscores his immense value to the team.