(AP Photo)
Ajit Agarkar, the Chairman of Selectors for BCCI, has provided a clear explanation for appointing Suryakumar Yadav as the T20I captain over Hardik Pandya. Pandya, who served as Rohit Sharma’s deputy during the recent World Cup and was seen as the natural successor, performed commendably in Rohit’s absence.
However, his fitness became a pivotal factor that saw him slip in the hierarchy. As a result, the BCCI reverted to Rohit Sharma for the top leadership role at the tournament, where India triumphed for the first time since 2007.
Following Rohit Sharma’s retirement post-tournament and Hardik Pandya’s significant contribution to India’s title win, many anticipated Pandya to be named the T20I captain. However, selectors sprang a surprise by choosing Suryakumar instead.
Ajit Agarkar emphasized on Monday that the selectors prioritized appointing someone consistently available for the top job, pointing out that Pandya’s fitness posed a clear challenge in this regard.
Furthermore, Agarkar clarified that the decision was not hastily made and involved substantial input from the dressing room. All-rounder Axar Patel has highlighted the specific qualities that swayed the decision in favor of Suryakumar.
“I have spent a lot of time with Suryakumar,” Axar told ESPNcricinfo. “Surya bhai is a happy-go-lucky guy. He keeps the atmosphere lively, loves doing mimicry and such fun stuff. I know he will keep the atmosphere cool.”
“I recently played a five-game T20I series when he was the captain. I know he is a bowler’s captain. He gives the bowlers the fields they ask for. And it was like that with me, too. I don’t think there will be a lot of change. We will get to know now playing under his captaincy about his mindset. You can’t judge someone’s captaincy by one tour. When we play more, we will get to know more of his captaincy style,” he added.
Suryakumar Yadav gained captaincy experience by leading India in a five-match T20I series against Australia at home last year, followed by a stint as captain in South Africa. Reports indicated that his handling of players during these assignments left a distinctly positive impression.
