BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar attributed the decision to Pandya’s fitness issues, but former Sri Lankan cricketer Russel Arnold suggests that there are additional factors involved.
Arnold highlighted Pandya’s challenging IPL 2024 season with the Mumbai Indians as a significant factor in the decision. After two successful years with the Gujarat Titans, Pandya’s return to MI was fraught with difficulties. The team ended the season at the bottom of the table, managing only four wins in 14 matches.
“I reckon with how the IPL went and whereas Hardik couldn’t really gain the respect of everyone around him, might have prompted BCCI to look in a different direction,” Arnold stated in an interview with Sports Tak.
Arnold though feels that both Pandya and Yadav are exceptional players.
“Well, both are exceptional players. They bring different things to the party. Suryakumar Yadav is probably one of the better T20 batters going around and the way he plays it, he obviously has to see and read the game like no one else. Hardik has also shown that,” he said.
Pandya’s return to MI was marked by backlash from fans and a disappointing team outcome. The alleged internal discord and poor results appear to have impacted his standing, influencing the BCCI’s decision to select a new leader.
“It’s about getting everyone to gel and keeping everyone calm and happy so that you can pull in the one direction. I’m not saying that wouldn’t have happened under Hardik, but I guess, at this particular moment, it was a good opportunity and it’s a great opportunity for Suryakumar to showcase what he can do and make it his own,” Arnold added.
As Team India prepares for the Sri Lanka tour, attention will be focused on Suryakumar Yadav to observe how he handles the captaincy role and leads the team in the T20 format. Meanwhile, Hardik Pandya will be looking to regain his form and respect, potentially making a case for future leadership.
