A three-match T20 series and a three-match ODI series are to be played between India and Sri Lanka (IND vs SL) from July 27, for which the Indian selectors have selected the team and made Suryakumar Yadav the new captain of the T20 format. Hardik Pandya was also in the race to become the captain of the T20 format, but the selectors did not entrust him with this responsibility. Indian Team Chief selector of IPL, Ajit Agarkar has now himself come in front of the world and told the reason behind this.
Ajit Agarkar held a press conference with Team India's new head coach Gautam Gambhir before the Sri Lanka tour in which he explained the reason for choosing Suryakumar Yadav as the new captain (T20 format) instead of Hardik. He said, 'Suryakumar Yadav was made the captain because he is one of the deserving candidates. He is one of the best T20I batsmen. You want a captain who can play all the matches. Hardik Pandya's fitness has been a challenge for him.'
🚨 Ajit Agarkar clears the air on Surya Kumar Yadav as captain. He mentioned – “It’s the feedback we had received from the dressing room and he’s a deserving candidate. For Hardik, fitness has been a challenge.” pic.twitter.com/QPmfjObNsk
— KKR Vibe (@KnightsVibe) July 22, 2024
Yes, chief selector Ajit Agarkar has made it clear that Hardik Pandya's poor fitness in the past has once again become a problem for him. Let us tell you that Hardik recently performed very well during the T20 World Cup 2024, but last year the ODI World Cup was played at home during which he was out due to injury in the middle of the tournament. This is the reason why keeping Hardik's fitness in mind, he has not been given this big responsibility.
Suryakumar will not be able to play ODIs and Tests
Also know that Suryakumar also does not have everything in his hands. New head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar have also made it clear that they will focus only on the T20 format. That means the doors to ODI and Test formats are almost closed for Suryakumar. There are very less chances that he will play both these formats for India in the near future. He has played 37 ODIs and only 1 Test match for India.
