India’s Cricket Captaincy Sensational Hardik Pandya or Yadav?

Would it be wise for the Indian cricket team management to give the top leadership role to the vice-captain and a good all-rounder in the making, Hardik Pandya? On the other hand, would it be wise to entrust the management to the best-performing batsman currently and a rising star, Suryakumar Yadav?

Colossal news that has come up for Indian cricket is Rohit Sharma’s retirement from T20 cricket. Now, it leaves a big question mark on the selectors of whom to make team captain.

This is a crucial decision coming at a time when India is scheduled to play three T20I matches against Sri Lanka at the end of the month. This will be their first series under a new head coach, Gautam Gambhir, a former Indian opener. After the T20I series, India will face Sri Lanka in three one-day internationals.

 Hardik Pandya: Is it Natural?

Bowling all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, a hero of last year’s T20 World Cup, clinched the game for India when playing against South Africa in Barbados. But he suffers from regular fitness problems, which have emerged as issues, so selectors have considered Suryakumar Yadav a captain candidate. Thus, Gambhir is likely to influence BCCI officials and selectors when they confer about Rohit’s replacement.

The selectors had intended to appoint Hardik Pandya as the captain right after India’s T20 World Cup group-stage elimination in 2022 under Rohit Sharma. But Hardik Pandya’s constant injuries made them change their minds.

Therefore, the selection committee, headed by Ajit Agarkar, included Rohit in the playing eleven, but he believed that Sharma was worthy of being named captain for the T20 World Cup.

Even during the ODI World Cup, they were out of the team; Hardik Pandya was injured, and Rohit was given rest. Surya successfully led the national team, adding to his claim for the captaincy.

SuryaKumar Yadav: A Strong Contender

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Suryakumar Yadav is considered to be one of the most suitable players for the cricket team of India, as he has the potential to lead the national team in the international one-day or t20 format. He has the potential to absorb the pressure and make wise decisions in a tough time.

There is lobbying for and against his fitness; hence, everyone is not on the same page. Then there is the fact that Hardik played a huge role in ending India’s jinx with the ICC. For Suryakumar, there are reports from the team that the dressing room liked his captaincy style.

Interestingly, Suryakumar also underwent hernia and ankle surgery earlier this year and only made his comeback during the IPL for the Mumbai Indians. However, many on the board feel that Pandya could be the ideal choice to lead the Indian side, given his role as vice-captain during the World Cup.

Gambhir’s Role in the Decision

Adding to the complexity, it is reported that Pandya has informed the BCCI that he will not be part of the ODI squad for the Sri Lanka tour due to personal reasons. The Indian team will play three ODIs against Sri Lanka from August 2 to 7.

Sources also reveal that Gambhir has urged senior players Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah to participate in the ODI series, as the Indian team will have a significant break afterward. Rohit and Kohli are currently on a break, traveling abroad with their families.

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