Former New Zealand all-rounder Scott Styris has supported the BCCI’s decision to overlook Hardik Pandya for the T20I captaincy of Team India. Styris emphasized that Pandya should concentrate on enhancing his fitness and refining his batting and bowling skills.
Pandya was initially expected to take over as India’s T20I captain following Rohit Sharma’s retirement from the format. He was the vice-captain during India’s T20 World Cup victory in the West Indies and USA, contributing significantly with both bat and ball to end India’s ICC trophy drought.
However, the 30-year-old cricketer lost the captaincy when the BCCI appointed Suryakumar Yadav as the new T20I leader. Concerns about Pandya’s fitness and recurring injuries led the selection committee and Gautam Gambhir to favor a captain who could participate in all matches. Agarkar mentioned that the board sought a reliable captain who could be available for every game.
That’s A Smart Choice Solely For One Reason – Scott Styris
Scott Styris said that the additional responsibilities might impact Hardik Pandya’s performance and fitness. Styris described Pandya as India’s best all-rounder and wants him to be consistently fit. He added that Hardik can take on captaincy duties later.
“I wouldn’t have personally made Hardik Pandya my captain either. I think that’s a smart choice solely for one reason, and that is as an all-rounder. And skills-wise wise he is India’s best all-rounder. He is phenomenal. But you want him to be consistently fit,” Styris told News18.
“At the moment, how he’s in and out with his injuries, you know, bowling is really hard. It takes a lot out of you and your body. So sometimes, adding all the responsibility of captaincy is not necessarily a good thing because there’s just too much to do. I’d love to see Hardik Pandya just concentrate on getting those skills right, batting and bowling. And then you can look at captaincy a little bit later,” he added.
In his debut match as India’s permanent captain, Suryakumar Yadav led the team to a commanding 43-run victory. India posted a strong total of 213 runs for seven wickets in their 20 overs. Suryakumar contributed significantly with a knock of 58 runs from 26 balls, including eight fours and two sixes.
In contrast, Hardik Pandya struggled in the series opener, failing to make an impact with either bat or ball. He scored only nine runs from 10 balls and conceded 41 runs in his four overs without claiming any wickets. Suryakumar was awarded “Player of the Match” for his outstanding performance at Pallekele on July 27.
With this win, India has taken a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka. The second T20I is set to be played at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, July 28. The team under Suryakumar Yadav will aim to clinch the series victory with one match left.
