You’ve got to feel for Hardik Pandya. The man who led India to a T20 World Cup victory during a personal crisis and after enduring intense booing in the IPL is now facing a new setback. Despite scoring 144 runs and taking 11 wickets, fulfilling his vice-captaincy duties admirably, Pandya has been replaced by Suryakumar Yadav as India’s next T20I captain.
The decision, though painful, was not without reason. Hardik’s recurring fitness issues and injuries have been a significant concern. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) seeks a leader who can consistently play without interruption. Last year, India faced a challenging situation when Hardik Pandya was sidelined for four months, and while Rohit Sharma stepped in to fill the gap, the board wants to avoid such scenarios in the future. Consequently, Suryakumar Yadav was appointed captain with Shubman Gill as his deputy.
Former New Zealand all-rounder Scott Styris supports the decision, emphasizing the need for Hardik Pandya to focus on his fitness and skills. “I wouldn’t have personally made Hardik Pandya my captain either. I think that’s a smart choice solely for one reason, and that is as an allrounder. And skills wise he is India’s best allrounder. He is phenomenal. But you want him to be consistently fit,” Styris told News18.
Styris pointed out that the physical demands of bowling, combined with the responsibilities of captaincy, might be overwhelming for Hardik. He believes Hardik should concentrate on refining his batting and bowling skills before reconsidering a leadership role.
Another critical factor in this decision is Hardik’s importance as a bowler. With Jasprit Bumrah’s workload being managed and Mohammed Shami recovering from an ankle injury, India’s bowling resources are thin. Hardik’s contribution as a sixth bowler is invaluable in this context.
Styris emphasized the need for experienced bowlers in the team, given the inexperience of Khaleel Ahmed, Mukesh Kumar, and Avesh Khan. Arshdeep Singh and Mohammed Siraj are currently the mainstays, with Ravi Bishnoi gradually establishing himself in international cricket. In such a scenario, Hardik’s role as a senior bowler is crucial.
“These fast bowling stocks are the one area where India probably needs a little bit more help, which is why I like the selection of these youngsters. Anytime Bumrah is not here, your team is going to be weaker. He’s as good as anyone who’s ever played the game, especially the white ball. So the decision to give him a rest, you totally understand. You’ve got to make sure that he’s fresh and ready for some of the other challenges that India have in front of them,” added Styris.
Styris also sees this as an opportunity for other bowlers like Shivam Dube to step up. “Siraj leads RCB, Khaleel leads his bowling attack. And that’s what you’re looking for in the next wave. And you want more out of Hardik Pandya. That’s why I like the decision not to make him captain because I really want him to see him stand up with a dominant role with the ball more than anything. Is it an opportunity for Shivam Dube as a fourth seamer? Perhaps, maybe.”
