Ashish Nehra expressed his “not surprised” response to Hardik Pandya’s captaincy snub

The Indian management’s decision to not choose Hardik Pandya as the team’s T20I captain didn’t surprise Ashish Nehra, according to him. The Baroda all-rounder will still be a crucial part of the Men in Blue’s white-ball outfit, according to the former India pacer.

During the Gujarat Titans’ IPL seasons in 2022 and 2023, Nehra collaborated closely with Hardik.

The management’s decision to select Suryakumar Yadav as the Twenty20 captain instead of Hardik, who served as Rohit Sharma’s deputy during the T20 World Cup last month, was understood by the current head coach of the 2022 IPL champions. Even though it was anticipated that the all-around fast bowler would assume T20I captaincy following Rohit’s announcement of his retirement from the competition, BCCI chose to name Suryakumar to the esteemed position.

In a Monday press conference, BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar stated that the team management supported Suryakumar’s success in his new position and encouraged Hardik to focus on improving his fitness. The former fast bowler blamed Hardik for his ongoing injury concerns, which have forced him to miss multiple games in recent years.

No, it doesn’t surprise me. These phenomena consistently happen in cricket. Yes, Hardik Pandya served as vice captain during the World Cup, but a new coach has also been appointed. Every captain and every coach has a different perspective. Gambhir’s opinions are currently leaning in that way, Nehra said to SportsTak, a sister channel of India Today.

“It’s excellent that Ajit Agarkar and Gautam Gambhir have made it apparent. He is playing less games in one format, 50-over. In white-ball cricket, Hardik Pandya would continue to be a crucial player for Indian cricket, he continued.

Nehra continued her explanation of Hardik’s value to the team by stating that his versatility gives the team a lot of balance.

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“With him, you may field four fast bowlers; he adds a different dynamic to the team, but remember that in international cricket, no player has more influence than the other. There will be adjustments when you have a lot of matches, not just with Hardik Pandya. Nehra stated, “Even Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul have captained.