New Delhi: Former Sri Lankan cricketer Russell Arnold has reckoned that Hardik Pandya’s incapability of leading the Mumbai Indians side during the IPL 2024 has triggered the shock decision of making Suryakumar Yadav the captain of the T20I side. Hardik who was supposed to take on the responsibility of the captaincy was dispelled overnight as the captain of the T20I side.
The official statement given by Ajit Agarkar and Gautam Gambhir was “Fitness” concerns surrounding Hardik Pandya. Both Gambhir and Agarkar wanted a captain who could carry on the team. Hardik who has been in and out of the side over fitness concerns was deemed ‘unfit‘ by Agarkar.
Although Agarkar mentioned that Hardik is an integral part of the side, it looks like Agarkar’s statement is just a ‘consolation’ prize. Moreover, Arnold’s recent remarks added more fuel to the fire.
See what Ajit agarkar and Gautam Gambhir had to say about Hardik Pandya
Speaking in a recent interview, Arnold remarked, “Hardik couldn’t really gain the respect of everyone around him, might have prompted BCCI to look in a different direction…” Arnold’s remarks have brought the dirt back door politics of BCCI once again to the forefront. Nevertheless, while the captaincy debate rages on, the men in blue have begun their new era under Gautam Gambhir in Sri Lanka.
India vs Sri Lanka: T20 squad
Suryakumar Yadav (C), Ꮪhubman Gill (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rinku Singh, Riyan Parag, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sanju Samson (WK), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, Mohd. Siraj.
India vs Sri Lanka: ODI squad
Rohit Sharma (C), Ꮪhubman Gill (VC), Virat Kohli, KL Rahul (WK), Rishabh Pant (WK), Shreyas Iyer, Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Riyan Parag, Axar Patel, Khaleel Ahmed, Harshit Rana.
Where to watch the India tour of Sri Lanka?
Fans can tune into the Sony Sports network as well as the Sony Liv app to watch the upcoming India tour of Sri Lanka.