Ajit Agarkar reveals massive reason behind Suryakumar Yadav being named T20I skipper over Hardik Pandya

Ahead of India’s departure to Sri Lanka, chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar and coach Gautam Gambhir addressed a press conference. One of the main questions was the reason behind giving Suryakumar Yadav the captaincy of the T20I team. 

Addressing the media, Ajit Agarkar said "We thought Suryakumar Yadav was a good choice, he showed his talent. Hardik is an important player for us as well. Fitness is a concern as well, we want to manage him better"

After the retirement of Rohit Sharma from T20I Cricket, it was felt that Hardik Pandya was the strong candidate to become the next captain. The move to appoint Suryakumar Yadav came as a surprise to many fans. The board though had consulted a few players before making the move official. 

Also Read: How Suryakumar Yadav won captaincy race against Hardik Pandya?

Dav Whatmore takes sly dig at Hardik Pandya

Former Sri Lankan coach Dav Whatmore had spent a few years in Indian domestic cricket with Baroda. During a chat with Pak Passion channel, the former Sri Lankan coach took a veiled dig at Hardik Pandya during the conversation. 

Dav Whatmore said “There's still some individuals who don't play white-ball cricket. For example, my last few years in Baroda, Hardik Pandya wouldn't ever play white-ball cricket. It always amuses me that he's termed as the all-rounder from Baroda but he hasn't played for Baroda for years! So, yes, there are some who don't do that”

The former Sri Lanka coach also said “But recently, I've seen that the BCCI have been keen that players participate in Ranji Trophy as well as other two formats to ensure they see cricket as sports. Efforts are made to make sure 4-day cricket is not neglected,”

Hardik Pandya has been having a tough time in the last few months on and off the field. His elevation to Mumbai Indians captaincy didn’t sit down well with many fans who made their feelings heard during the IPL 2024 season. Mumbai Indians were compounded by more misery when they finished bottom of the table. 

The 30-year-old won back the crowd with his performances for India during the T20 World Cup. On his arrival back home the Indian cricket star announced his separation from his wife Natasa Stankovic on social media after being married for four years.