Why Suryakumar appointed India T20 Captain instead of Hardik Pandya?
Why Suryakumar appointed India T20 Captain instead of Hardik Pandya: Suryakumar Yadav has been named as the new skipper of team India for the T20I series against Sri Lanka.
There was a lot of speculations that Hardik Pandya would lead India in the shortest format of the game after Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from the T20Is, but the selectors trusted Suryakumar and handed him the responsibility.
While Shubman Gill, who recently led India to 4-1 victory against Zimbabwe has been selected as the vice-captain.
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Why Suryakumar appointed India T20 Captain instead of Hardik Pandya?
The exact reason behind Hardik Pandya’s demotion is not yet revealed. But according to media reports, his injury concerns are one of the reasons that prompted the move, as India looks to build a team for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
Suryakumar Yadav, who played his part quite well in India’s T20 World Cup winning campaign recently, has been a regular member of team India since his debut. Hardik Pandya, on the other hand, missed some series due to injury concerns.
Hardik Pandya, however, was appointed as India’s captain in Rohit Sharma’s absence series after team’s debacle run in the T20 World Cup 2022.
Pandya was also the designated vice-captain in ODI World Cup 2023 and the T20 World Cup 2024.
Suryakumar also led the team when Pandya was not available and did a decent job.
Suryakumar Yadav vs Hardik Pandya Captaincy stats
Player Mat Won Lost TIed
Hardik Pandya 16 10 5 1
Suryakumar Yadav 7 5 2 0
The first T20I of the series will take place on July 27. Second on on July 28, and third and final match to be played on July 30. All the three T20Is will be held at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.
India’s T20I squad for Sri Lanka series
Batters: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Ꮪhubman Gill (vc), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rinku Singh, Riyan Parag
Wicketkeepers: Rishabh Pant, Sanju Samson
All-Rounders: Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar
Bowlers: Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, Mohd. Siraj