The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has made its stand clear on the decision of not to make Hardik Pandya the captain of T20. At the same time, former Indian cricketers Krishnamachari Srikkanth, Gautam Gambhir, and Ajit Agarkar are not happy with the decision. They believe that Hardik was not ignored due to his fitness.
On his YouTube channel, Krishnamachari Srikkanth said that the selectors must have received feedback from the dressing room based on this year’s Indian Premier League. Where Mumbai Indians finished last under Hardik’s captaincy. Srikkanth said that Hardik Pandya played the entire IPL. He also bowled. But his performance was not good during this time. But it is a different issue that Pandya was the vice-captain of the team in the World Cup and he played well, so I do not agree with the matter of poor fitness. However, Srikkanth says that Suryakumar Yadav has all the qualities of a captain.
Ashish Nehra also gave such a statement on Hardik Pandya’s captaincy
Nehra told Sports Tak – No, I am not surprised. When it comes to cricket, these things keep happening. Yes, Hardik Pandya was the vice-captain in the World Cup, but at the same time, a new coach has also come. Every coach and every captain has different ideas. At the moment his (Gambhir’s) ideas are in the same direction. I think Ajit Agarkar and Gautam Gambhir have made it clear, it’s good. He is also playing less ODIs. Hardik Pandya will continue to be a very, very important player for Indian cricket in white-ball cricket.
He further said- When you have him, you can have 4 fast bowlers. He brings a different balance to the team and keep in mind, there is no one without an impact player in international cricket. Not only Hardik Pandya but when you have so many matches, there are changes. He said- Even Rishabh Pant has captained, and KL Rahul has also captained.
Supported making Gill vice-captain
Nehra has supported the appointment of Gujarat captain Shubman Gill as the vice-captain of the Indian team. Nehra says that Gill can improve with experience in all three formats. Nehra and Gill worked together as coaches and captains in IPL 2024. Nehra said, they have kept Gill in all three formats, not one, which means that they are looking forward. Shubman is young and will get better with time. Shubman wants to play in all three formats and has a desire to learn. Shubman is not someone who feels that whatever he is doing is right, he is not that kind of person. Whether young or experienced, Shubman likes to discuss and learn from everyone.
Ajit Agarkar said, “Suryakumar Yadav was made captain because he is one of deserving candidates. He is one of best T20I batters. You want a captain who is likely to play all the games. Hardik Pandya’s fitness has been a challenge for him”. pic.twitter.com/gRraIvMrp1
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) July 22, 2024
Is Suryakumar Yadav better than Hardik Pandya?
Srikkant said that Suryakumar Yadav is a very good player. I like him. Showing the mirror to Gautam Gambhir and Ajit Agarkar, he said that if Hardik had to be removed from captaincy, then say it straight, we are removing Hardik Pandya from captaincy. We are looking forward to Surya. Say it clearly and without fear. Srikkanth said that I have also been a selector. I selected players, I dropped them. I faced a lot of criticism. I am not calling myself God. I also made mistakes, but you should give a good explanation.
