Ajit Agarkar explains why Suryakumar Yadav was made T20I captain instead of Hardik Pandya, says 'We want someone who is likely to be available...'

When India’s T20I squad for Sri Lanka tour was announced, Suryakumar Yadav was appointed as Rohit Sharma’s successor as T20I captain instead of Hardik Pandya. The move surprised many as Pandya was vice-captain in ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. Before departing for Sri Lanka, newly-appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar explained why they took the decision. Agarkar said that Hardik’s fitness has been a concern and it led to the decision. 
 

“Hardik is always an important player for us. Those skillsets are hard to find. Fitness has been a challenge with him. Hopefully his performances are more important than anything else. We want someone who is likely to be available more often than not. Saying all that, Surya has got all the necessary qualities to be the captain,” Agarkar said in a press conference in Mumbai on July 22. 

 

Gambhir wants to make dressing room secure

Meanwhile, Gambhir said that his aim is to make the dressing room secure and happy, especially after the kind of success India have enjoyed of late.
 

“Most important thing is that they will always have my back. Aim to make it happy and secure dressing room. I am taking over a very successful team. Runner ups in WTC and 50-overs WC. Big shoes to fill and looking forward to it,” said Gambhir.

 

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Hardik and Suryakumar's T20I captaincy numbers

Hardik was not even named Suryakumar’s deputy as Shubman Gill was named vice-captain for the side. Gill had recently led India in the T20I series against Zimbabwe which the visitors won 4-1. 

 

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Hardik has led India in 16 T20Is out of which the team won 10, lost five whereas one ended in a tie. Suryakumar led the team when Hardik injured his ankle. From seven games, Suryakumar-led India have won five T20Is.
 

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