'I am not surprised' - Former India pacer takes dig at head coach Gautam Gambhir's plan of removing Hardik Pandya from captaincy

Gautam Gambhir is set to start his duties as head coach for the Indian team in the upcoming days during the Sri Lanka series. The 3-match T20I series will start on July 27, and the ODI series will start on August 2. Gambhir is someone who likes to work according to his own interest, and hence, he made a few changes in the team, including the removal of Hardik Pandya from captaincy in T20Is. 

India's former pacer, Ashish Nehra, who is also the coach of Gujarat Titans and has worked with Pandya for more than a year, wasn't happy with the decision at all. He expressed his dissatisfaction during an interview with Sports Tak, during which he specifically mentioned that he wasn't surprised by the changes made by Gambhir. 

"No, I am not surprised. When it comes to cricket, these things keep happening. Yes, Hardik Pandya was vice-captain in the World Cup, but at the same time, there is a new coach who has come in. Every coach and every captain have different thoughts. At this time, his (Gambhir's) ideas are toward that direction," said Nehra as quoted by Sports Tak. 

Very important player for Indian cricket: Ashish Nehra

Hardik Pandya's importance in Indian cricket is often realized when he plays in the World Cups. He is the clutch player of India who has played some extraordinary matches. If we analyze his playing tactics and the way he performs during crucial moments give an idea about how great he is. Talking about Pandya, Ashish Nehra also mentioned the fact that he is a very important player and should be preserved. 

"Hardik Pandya, in white-ball cricket, will remain a very, very important player for Indian cricket. When you have him, you can have 4 fast bowlers, he brings in a different balance to the side and keep in mind, that there's no impact player in international cricket," said Ashish Nehra.