Suryakumar Yadav Named India’s T20I Captain, Hardik Pandya Snubbed
The decision to appoint Suryakumar Yadav as captain of India’s T20I team has sparked debate, particularly given the omission of Hardik Pandya from the leadership role. Pandya has previously led India in T20Is in Rohit Sharma’s absence and was his deputy during the successful T20 World Cup campaign.
India’s chief selector, Ajit Agarkar, explained that the decision to name Suryakumar captain was based on fitness considerations. Former India bowling coach Paras Mhambrey, who recently concluded his tenure, has endorsed the decision, citing Suryakumar’s exceptional skills and leadership qualities.
Mhambrey emphasized that Suryakumar’s consistent performance and ability to win games for India make him an ideal choice for captaincy. He also highlighted Suryakumar’s strong bond with the team, including the younger players.
“He’s been with the team. I’ve seen him interact with the young guys. He has that respect from the younger lot. The youngsters need to interact with him, he’s good at it. So, has a good bond with everyone in the team,” Mhambrey said.
Mhambrey also commented on the appointment of Gautam Gambhir as head coach, expressing confidence in his experience but acknowledging the need for time to achieve optimal results.
Suryakumar Yadav will lead India in a three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, commencing on July 27. The series will provide an opportunity for him to demonstrate his leadership abilities and further cement his position as a key figure in Indian cricket.
