Srinagar: Coming out clear, the BCCI Chief selector Ajit Agarkar revealed why the selectiom committee opted for Suryakumar Yadav over Hardik Pandya as Team India T20I caotain.
After Rohit Sharma announced his retirement last month after the T20 World Cup, BCCI needed to appoint new captain. Hardik was primed to take over the reins, not only because he was Rohit’s deputy at the T20 World Cup, but also has the experience of leading India in three ODIs and 16 T20Is.
“Hardik is a very important player. He has the skillsets which are very difficult to find. Fitness has been a challenge for him over the last two years. It becomes tough as coach and selector. Until the next World Cup in 2026, we want to look at a few things. That was the main challenge. That was the thought behind it. We wanted the one who is available all the time,” Agarkar said ahead of India’s departure for the white-ball tour of Sri Lanka.
“Suryakumar Yadav was made the captain, because he is one of the most deserving candidates. We have been getting the feedbacks from the dressing room. He has got great cricket brain, he is one of the best T20 batters in the world, and the one who is likely to play all the games. Surya has got the necessary quality that you need to succeed as a captain.”
Suryakumar’s first assignment as an official T20I captain of the Indian team will be the tour of Sri Lanka where the side will play three T20Is between July 27 and 30. It will also be the first assignment of Gambhir as the new head coach. Hardik will be part of the series, but has been removed from the vice-captaincy role as well with Shubman Gill, who led India to a 4-1 win in Zimbabwe earlier this month, elevated to the position.