‘Fitness Has Been An Issue For Hardik’: Ajit Agarkar Hands Cut-Throat Explanation For Captaincy Switch

Former Indian cricketer and chief selector Ajit Agarkar has admitted that fitness issues were the main reason why Hardik Pandya was not appointed as captain for the shortest format. Speaking to the media ahead of the white-ball series against Sri Lanka that begins on Saturday, July 27 with the first T20I, Agarkar said that Suryakumar Yadav was made the captain in the shortest format because he is a deserving candidate.

Pandya was appointed Rohit Sharma‘s deputy for the T20 World Cup and also bowled a brilliant final over to win India the trophy. After Rohit quit T20Is, it was expected that Pandya will be handed over the responsibility in the shortest format, having already led the team in T20Is.

But when the squads for the Sri Lanka series came out, Pandya was not named the captain, with SKY being appointed the skipper and Shubman Gill his deputy.

“Surya has been appointed the captain because he is one of the deserving candidates. We get the feedback from the dressing room, he is one of the best T20I batters in the world. You want a captain who can play all games,” Agarkar said in the pre-series press conference.

“As regards to Hardik, he is still a very important player for us. Those sort of skillsets are still very hard to find. Fitness has been an issue for him. It’s not rushed at the moment and we want someone who is available for all matches,” Agarkar added.

According to reports, Pandya has asked for a break during the ODI leg of the tour, though the reason couldn’t be confirmed by any. He hasn’t played ODIs since hurting his ankle in the ODI World Cup match against Bangladesh last year.

As regards to former vice-captain KL Rahul being overlooked, Agarkar said, “I wasn’t there when KL was superseded.”

All the games of the Sri Lanka series will be played at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. SKY will lead a 15-member T20 team in the three games.

After that, the ODIs will be held on August 2, 4 and 7 at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Rohit will return as the captain of the ODI team.