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Former Team India cricket manager Lalchand Rajput commented on the decision not to appoint Hardik Pandya as the T20I captain. Rajput believes that this move allows Pandya to play without the added pressure of leadership and gives him the opportunity to contribute significantly in Test cricket.
Despite expectations that Hardik Pandya would be named the T20I captain, the role went to Suryakumar Yadav. Pandya, who was previously part of the leadership group following the T20 World Cup 2022 and had captained the team in the absence of Rohit Sharma, was anticipated to take on the captaincy after Sharma’s return. However, he was instead designated as vice-captain for both the ICC World Cup 2023 and T20 World Cup 2024.
With the retirement of senior players, many thought Pandya’s appointment as captain was imminent, especially given his role as Mumbai Indians’ skipper. Nevertheless, the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee chose Suryakumar Yadav for the captaincy, citing Pandya’s injury history and workload management as key reasons. The committee also considered feedback from the dressing room in their decision.
Rajput, speaking to Hindustan Times, suggested that not being appointed captain might be beneficial for Pandya, as it enables him to focus on Test cricket. He emphasized that without the burden of captaincy, Pandya could impact the game in all formats with his skills in all three departments.
“I would love to see him in the red-ball cricket. He is a player who can change the course of the game in all three departments. If he could do well in red-ball cricket, that would add value to the team. He’s an all-rounder who can come at no.6 and also bowl a couple of overs.
“I think the selectors must have thought in the line with coach, too. The management wants Hardik Pandya to do well. If they release him from captaincy, he can play freely and give his best performance with bat and ball.”
Lalchand Rajput also addressed the decision not to appoint Hardik Pandya as captain, explaining that Suryakumar Yadav was chosen for the role because he is well-suited to lead the team effectively. Rajput expressed confidence that Yadav would excel in the captaincy and guide the team in the best manner possible.
“I heard the press conference of Ajit Agarkar, he said most of the time he was unfit. They need a captain who is fit to play all the games. That must have tilted the favour towards Suryakumar Yadav. SKY has also been a captain of the Mumbai Ranji team and started early in the T20 format. He will lead the team in the best possible way.”
Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav are set to return to the field as India faces Sri Lanka in the opening T20I of their series. The match will take place on July 27th at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Pallekele.
