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In a stunning twist that has set social media abuzz, India’s new T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav and star all-rounder Hardik Pandya have decisively put to rest any doubts about their camaraderie, following recent events.
After Suryakumar was unexpectedly named captain of the Indian T20I squad, surpassing Pandya who served as vice-captain during India’s 2024 T20 World Cup triumph, critics anticipated tension between the two. Yet, what unfolded has left them astounded.
In their initial encounter following the selectors’ bold move to chart a new course for India’s T20I team, Hardik and Suryakumar demonstrated an unwavering bond. With Suryakumar leading the charge, Hardik has unequivocally shown that their relationship is rooted in unity, not competition.
Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya’s unexpected hug silences critics and Indian teammates alike.
The cricketing world was abuzz with emotions as the BCCI released a touching video late Monday night, capturing the first meeting between Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav after the selectors’ historic decision to appoint Yadav as T20I captain.
This heartfelt moment, shared just before their departure for Colombo for the upcoming white-ball series against Sri Lanka, quickly became the talk of the town. As the entire Indian T20 squad, accompanied by the new head coach Gautam Gambhir and his coaching staff, gathered at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport on Monday afternoon, anticipation was high.
The footage of Hardik and Suryakumar sharing an affectionate hug has unequivocally put to rest any lingering doubts. With smiles exchanged, the duo embraced warmly, signaling unity as Team India embarks on an exciting new chapter under Gambhir’s guidance and Suryakumar’s leadership.
However, amidst this heartwarming moment, attention also turned to the expressions of other Mumbai Indians teammates like Riyan Parag, Shivam Dube, and Rishabh Pant, whose muted reactions hinted at their own reflections on the evolving dynamics within the team.
Watch the Video-
Meanwhile, Hardik Pandya’s recurring injuries have been a significant factor in his absence from numerous cricketing events. This played a pivotal role in the selectors’ decision to overlook him for India’s T20I captaincy. Both Gautam Gambhir and chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar prioritized appointing someone who could consistently be available for every match.
Agarkar said at the press conference: “Surya is one of the deserving candidates. He has got a good cricketing brain and he is still one of the best T20 batters in the world. You would want a captain that’s going to be more likely to play all the games. In regards to Hardik, he’s still a very important player for us and that’s what we want him to be that player that he can be because those sorts of skill sets are very difficult to find what he has.
Fitness has been a challenge for him over the last few years and then it becomes a little bit more difficult for him and even as selectors. The fitness is a clear challenge and we want someone likely to be available more often than not.”
