The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has appointed Suryakumar Yadav to lead the national side in the T20I format during their forthcoming visit to Sri Lanka, a move that saw star all-rounder Hardik Pandya sidelined. This step was taken despite him being the vice captain of team India when they were crowned champions at the recent T20 World Cup 2024.
According to BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar, this choice was made because of Pandya’s unfitness; however, another former cricketer from Sri Lanka, Russel Arnold disagrees.
Arnold cited Pandya’s poor showing in IPL 2024 as one of the key factors that contributed to this decision. The first two successful seasons with Gujarat Titans ended last year and his comeback with MI did not go well. They finished last in the table having managed only four wins out of fourteen games.
“The IPL went wrong for Hardik and maybe couldn’t get respect from everyone or something like that that maybe causes them to look elsewhere,” he told Sports Tak during an interview as reported by ESPN cricinfo earlier today.
However, Arnold believes that both are outstanding players.
“No doubt, both are exceptional players. They offer different flavors to each other. Maybe Suryakumar might be among one best T20 batters around and particularly he can play it so greatly because no other batsman has been able too see and read the game quite like that we have seen him play it.” He then added “Hardik has also shown that.”
Pandya faced backlash from fans after joining MI again where they had a disappointing season. Besides alleged dressing room unrests terrible performances on pitch costed him much hence having precipitated decisions regarding new leadership at BCCI.
“It is about getting everyone together so they can be contented and work together rather than pulling apart. I am not saying this wouldn’t have happened if Hardik were still there but for Suryakumar it is a good opportunity at this time, a great chance to show that he can do it all by himself,” Arnold explained.
As Team India prepares for the Sri Lanka tour, attention will be focused on Suryakumar Yadav to observe how he handles the captaincy role and leads the team in the T20 format. On the other hand, Hardik Pandya will be looking to turn around his form and gain back respect thus having a shot at leadership later on.
