Last updated on August 27th, 2024 at 03:19 pm
Suryakumar Yadav Named New T20I Captain
With Rohit Sharma’s retirement from T20I cricket following the triumph of India in the T20 World Cup 2024, many expected vice-captain Hardik Pandya to be named as the new captain. However, the selection committee has pulled out a major surprise by naming Suryakumar Yadav as the new T20I captain while Hardik Pandya does not even figure as the vice-captain of the side.
New Chapter for Indian Cricket Under Gautam Gambhir
With Gautam Gambhir coming into the mantle as head coach, the new series of T20I and ODI beginning at the end of this month between India and Sri Lanka is the ushering of a whole new Indian cricket. But the most major change done is Suryakumar Yadav being named the captain of the T20I team.
Trust in Yadav Influences BCCI’s Decision
Though fitness issues on the part of Pandya were said to be a huge reason behind the decision, a story done by Indian Express reveals that trust among the players was a significant factor that dictated the selection of Yadav as captain. According to the feedback that BCCI received, players trusted Yadav more than Pandya and opened up on their choice to work under him.
There were heated debates and differences of opinion galore in the long meeting over two days. Players received umpteen calls to discuss the management’s long-term plans. Significantly, Yadav’s man-management skills were hailed. For example, Yadav’s intervention ensured that Ishan Kishan stayed back in the squad during the South Africa tour last year. He was believed to have very fine communication and ability to engage with the fringe players.
Pandya’s Fitness and Lack of Availability
While Pandya was the T20 World Cup finalist vice-captain and batted splendidly in the final against South Africa, his fitness and injury concerns have never been far from the surface. He has played only 46 out of 79 T20Is since January 1, 2022. This year, he has recovered pretty well. Suryakumar Yadav missed quite a few games due to sports hernia surgery.
Gill to be Vice Captain
With Shubman Gill being made the vice-captain in both formats, it is pretty much clear that the powers from the selection committee combined with those of Gautam Gambhir himself are looking beyond Pandya for leadership roles.