BCCI’s selection committee head Ajit Agarkar has shed light on why Suryakumar Yadav was chosen as Bharat’s new T20I captain, surpassing Hardik Pandya, who was the vice-captain of the squad that won the T20 World Cup last month in Barbados.
The decision for a new captain arose following Rohit Sharma’s retirement announcement after the World Cup. Despite Hardik Pandya being Rohit’s deputy and having extensive experience in leading Bharat in three ODIs and 16 T20Is, along with his IPL captaincy roles with Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians, the selection committee decided to explore other options.
Agarkar explained that fitness concerns played a significant role in the decision. “Hardik is a crucial player with exceptional skillsets that are hard to find. However, fitness has been an issue for him over the past two years. As selectors and coach, it’s challenging to rely on him consistently. We wanted someone who would be available throughout the next World Cup cycle,” Agarkar said, ahead of Bharat’s white-ball tour of Sri Lanka.
Pandya had struggled with an ankle injury during the 2023 ODI World Cup, leading to his absence from action until IPL 2024, where he resumed his role as Mumbai Indians’ captain. He participated in only 46 of the 79 T20Is India played since early 2022.
In contrast, Suryakumar Yadav has led Mumbai in domestic cricket and captained Bharat in T20I series following the ODI World Cup, with victories over Australia and a series draw in South Africa.
Agarkar asserted that Suryakumar’s appointment was influenced by positive feedback from Indian players and his proven capabilities. “Suryakumar Yadav was appointed captain because he is highly deserving. Feedback from the dressing room was positive; he possesses a sharp cricketing mind and is one of the top T20 batters globally. His availability for all matches was also a key factor,” Agarkar stated.
Suryakumar Yadav will lead Bharat in his first T20I series as captain during the tour of Sri Lanka, which includes three T20Is from July 27 to 30. This tour will also mark Gautam Gambhir’s debut as the new head coach. Hardik Pandya, while part of the squad, will no longer be the vice-captain; instead, Shubman Gill, who led Bharat to a 4-1 series win in Zimbabwe earlier this month, has been promoted to this role.
