Paras Mhambrey, former Team India bowling coach, discussed the differences between Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav following the recent leadership change in T20Is. Mhambrey mentioned that the decision to change captains wasn’t arbitrary and would have involved communication from the selectors.
Rohit Sharma retired from T20I cricket after a successful tenure, including victory in the T20 World Cup 2024. With Rohit stepping down, the BCCI needed a new T20I captain. Despite predictions that Hardik Pandya, with his experience as vice-captain, would be appointed, the selection committee chose Suryakumar Yadav to lead the team in the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka.
Pandya missed out on the captaincy due to concerns over his previous injuries and workload management. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar further explained the decision during a press conference on Monday.
No Decision Is Just Taken Randomly – Paras Mhambrey
In a conversation with News18, Paras Mhambrey expressed confidence that the new coaching staff and selectors discussed the leadership changes with Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav. Mhambrey said that the team management could have communicated the changes so that everyone was aware of them.
“I am sure the new staff has had a conversation with them. Maybe the chairman of the selector has kept them in the loop, saying that this is the way forward. I think no decision is just taken randomly. I don’t think just randomly decide that we are going to do it. So, you have that conversation with individuals,” Paras Mhambrey said.
“I am sure they have had that conversation with them. So, I think if both parties are aware of why a certain decision the environment shouldn’t change because you have already had that conversation,” he added.
I Am Sure They Must Have Done It – Paras Mhambrey
Paras Mhambrey said that the new coaching staff needs to define each player’s role in preparation for the T20 World Cup 2026. He added that this ensures everyone understands their place in the India T20I team.
“But as far as the road plan is concerned, I thought the new staff have to decide to drive this. Have that discussion where, what is their future, right? In terms of where do they see this team going forward and where do they fit in. As you said, this conversation is already on. Yeah. So, I think, that’s the way I feel that I am sure they must have done it,” Mhambrey further stated.
The 52-year-old Mhambrey noted that Ajit Agarkar would have personally discussed the leadership decisions with the players, given their previous working relationship. He emphasized that these choices were made with the team’s best interests in mind and assured that players would understand and accept the leadership changes without issue.
Under Suryakumar Yadav’s captaincy, the Indian team achieved a 43-run victory in the first T20I against Sri Lanka at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Saturday, July 27. The Indian squad will take on Sri Lanka again in the second T20I of the series at the same venue on Sunday, July 28.
