Fitness a clear challenge for Hardik, Suryakumar an able candidate for captaincy: Agarkar

BCCI’s chief of selectors Ajit Agarkar and new head coach Gautam Gambhir has spoken ahead of India’s white-ball tour of Sri Lanka

Hardik Pandya might have to prove his bowling fitness to cement his spot in ODIs. (Photo: Getty Images)

New Delhi: Hardik Pandya’s suspect fitness has played a part in choosing Suryakumar Yadav to lead the Indian team in the upcoming T20Is in Sri Lanka, clarified BCCI’s selection committee chairperson Ajit Agarkar.

Pandya was vice captain of the T20 World Cup winning team and was tipped to be become the captain of the 20-over team after the retirement of Rohit Sharma.

But the BCCI selectors picked Suryakumar to lead the team in their three-match T20I series in what would be new coach Gautam Gambhir’s first assignment since taking over from Rahul Dravid, who left after the T20 World Cup.

“Hardik very important player but his fitness is a concern. Becomes difficult for selectors/coach to play him every game. We wanted a captain who was available to play all games,” Agarkar said at a media interaction on Monday.

“We wanted someone who was likely to be available more often. Surya is one of best T20 batters and as captain he is likely to play all games and he has all the necessary qualities to succeed.

“We think he is a deserving captain and we will see how he fits into the role.”

Agarkar said that Hardik remains a vital player as his skill-sets are difficult adding that they have taken the general feedback from the dressing room before appointng Suryakumar as the skipper.

India’s three-match T20I series in Sri Lanka begins on July 27 with all matches set to be played at the Pallekele Stadium.

Jadeja not been dropped from ODIs

The former India pacer insisted that all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja wasn’t dropped from the ODI squad for the three-match series against Sri Lanka from August 2.

“It would have been really pointless to take both Axar and Jaddu for a 3-match series,” Agarkar said.

“He has had a terrific World Cup. Not at all dropped. Either of them wouldn’t have featured in games had we taken him.

“There’s a big test season coming up. I think probably we should have clarified it when the squad was announced. He is still part of the format. He is a very important player for us.”

Agarkar climed he wasn’t in the chair when former vice-captain KL Rahul was overlooked for captaincy.