Players Request Suryakumar Yadav as Captain Over Hardik Pandya, Inform Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar

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Read Original Content: Players Request Suryakumar Yadav as Captain Over Hardik Pandya, Inform Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar

The cricketing world was stunned when the Board of Control for Cricket in India named Suryakumar Yadav as the T20I captain, with Shubman Gill appointed as his vice-captain. 

Hardik Pandya was widely considered the most deserving candidate to succeed Rohit Sharma, who retired from T20 internationals following the T20 World Cup 2024 victory. Pandya also served as vice-captain during the World Cup. 

However, when it was time to name the permanent captain, Suryakumar Yadav, the number one ranked T20I batter, was selected over Hardik Pandya. 

‘Fitness Has Been A Challenge for Hardik Pandya’ – Ajit Agarkar

Before heading to Sri Lanka for the multi-format series, newly appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar held a press conference where they addressed numerous questions, including the decision to overlook Hardik Pandya for the captaincy. 

Ajit Agarkar explained that Hardik Pandya’s frequent fitness issues, which caused him to miss many matches, were a key factor in the selection committee’s decision to assign the T20I captaincy to Suryakumar Yadav, a regular player for India.

Also Read: Why Suryakumar Yadav is Chosen Over Hardik Pandya as India’s T20I Captain? 

“Fitness obviously has been a challenge for him (Pandya) over the last few years and that becomes a little bit difficult for a coach and selectors. We want someone who is available more often than not,” Ajit Agarkar said.

Ajit Agarkar also mentioned that feedback from the dressing room was considered before Suryakumar Yadav was appointed as the team’s captain. 

“We listened to the feedbacks from the dressing room. We received good feedbacks about Surya and we believe he has the qualities and hopefully he can develop into the role,” Agarkar added.

Meanwhile, the Suryakumar Yadav-led side flew to Sri Lanka on Monday, July 22. They will be engaged in practice sessions before starting their first T20I match scheduled for July 27. 

Read Original Content: Players Request Suryakumar Yadav as Captain Over Hardik Pandya, Inform Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar

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