Former Indian fast bowler Ashish Nehra has shared his views on the BCCI’s decision not to consider Hardik Pandya as captain in the T20I format ahead of the Sri Lanka tour. Ashish Nehra said that he is not surprised by the Indian management’s decision to name Suryakumar Yadav as the new T20I captain.
Hardik Pandya led the Indian team in the shortest format in 2023 in the absence of Rohit Sharma. Hardik was the vice-captain during India’s victorious campaign in the 2024 T20 World Cup. The all-rounder was expected to succeed Rohit, who announced his retirement from the T20I format after the World Cup.
However, new head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar have backed Suryakumar Yadav to lead the team in the T20Is. During the pre-match press conference, Ajit Agarkar clarified that Hardik’s concerns prompted the team management to consider another player for the T20I captaincy.
No wonder – Ashish Nehra
Speaking to Sports Tak, Ashish Nehra acknowledged that such changes are common in cricket, especially with a new coach and a new management. Nehra said it would be difficult for the team management to back Hardik, who plays only one format.
“It is not surprising that when it comes to cricket, these things happen. It is a little surprising that Hardik Pandya, as you said, was the vice-captain in the World Cup. But at the same time, a new coach has come in. A new idea has come in. So every coach and every captain has a different idea. So, right now, their idea is on that side,” Nehra said on Sports Tak.
“Ajit Agarkar, Gautam Gambhir, said a couple of days ago, if I am not mistaken, he talked about fitness. He is not playing all formats, I mean he is playing only one format, he is not even playing the 50 overs format that much. So, it is difficult for Hardik Pandya or any coach or captain. I will just say that the thoughts are different,” he added.
Hardik Pandya last played for India in an ODI match during the 2023 ODI World Cup. The 30-year-old was ruled out midway through the tournament after suffering an ankle injury. Notably, it also ruled him out of the upcoming three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka, which is set to begin on August 2.
Hardik Pandya is a very important player – Ashish Nehra
Ashish Nehra said Hardik Pandya brings a different balance to the team as the fourth fast bowler and described him as a very important player for Indian cricket.
“Hardik Pandya is a very important player for Indian cricket. Whether he plays twice or not, he is the fourth fastest bowler. He brings a different balance because there is no impact player rule. Hardik Pandya is not the only one. He is the one who plays the most matches and cricket,” Nehra added.
Ashish Nehra worked with Hardik Pandya as a coach for two years. Nehra and Pandya guided the Gujarat Titans (GT) to their maiden IPL title in 2022. The Ahmedabad side also reached the finals the following season but lost to the Chennai Super Kings. Pandya rejoined the Mumbai Indians (MI) for the 2024 IPL season.
Also read: “Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli don’t play in major 50-over tournaments”: Ashish Nehra’s surprising take on the future of senior players