The BCCI recently gave an explanation for their choice to declare Suryakumar Yadav the Indian captain ahead of the Twenty20 International Series against Sri Lanka. Hardik Pandya was the team’s vice-captain during the Twenty20 World Cup 2024. Ajit Agarkar, India’s chief selector, and Gautam Gambhir, the freshly hired head coach, made the announcement.
Agarkar, the chairman of selectors, clarified that Hardik’s rejection as captain was largely due to physical issues. Kris Srikkanth, a former cricket player for India, has criticised the BCCI for dismissing Pandya and disputes that there was a good cause for it to be overlooked.
“I believe they have moved past the dressing room feedback. The IPL must have been the source of it. I refuse to agree on the matter of fitness. For the whole IPL, he played. He bowled as well. It’s possible that he didn’t perform well in the IPL. That’s a different problem. Mumbai Indians were not eligible. He was the vice captain and a good player at the World Cup. Thus, I will not agree with fitness,” Srikkanth stated on his YouTube account.
“Beating around the bush regarding the logic”- Kris Srikkanth
Srikkanth also discussed how Pandya’s lack of fitness cannot be the reason he was not named captain for the series. When pressed to explain the rationale behind the judgement, he felt that the BCCI was “beating around the bush”.
“What is the dressing room’s feedback? That is beyond my understanding. Indeed, Suryakumar possesses the necessary traits to lead. I concur with that. He might wind up becoming an excellent captain. Nevertheless, the justifications for removing Hardik Pandya from the captaincy are evasive.
“Suryakumar is an amazing individual. He appeals to me. Hardik is also. However, they could have stated their justifications more succinctly: “We want to move forward, so we are dropping Hardik Pandya as captain.” We view Suryakumar as a long-term solution. Make it apparent. Speak without hesitation.
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“I’ve served as chairman as well. I have received a lot of criticism, dropped players, and selected players. I’m not claiming to be God; after all, I’m human. But you must provide a convincing justification. The rationale does not convince me,” he continued.
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