Former India cricketer and commentator Dinesh Karthik has expressed confusion over Hardik Pandya’s removal from the vice-captaincy of the Indian T20I team. Pandya, who had been the vice-captain of the T20I side, was surprisingly not chosen to lead the team after Rohit Sharma’s retirement from the format following the 2024 T20 World Cup. Instead, Suryakumar Yadav was handed the leadership role for India’s first series post-World Cup against Sri Lanka.
What puzzled Karthik further was the decision to not even appoint Pandya as vice-captain. Shubman Gill, who was included in the squad, was named as Suryakumar’s deputy, but after Gill lost his place in the T20I side, the selectors didn’t name a vice-captain for the next two series against Bangladesh and South Africa. Recently, all-rounder Axar Patel was chosen as vice-captain for the upcoming series against England, which left Karthik baffled.
“I really don’t know. I’m not sure why they removed Hardik from the vice-captaincy. I don’t see any reason to. They have done well. They won the bilateral series when he was the vice-captain. Not a clue,” Karthik said on Cricbuzz.
Pandya had been entrusted with the leadership role during the aftermath of India’s semi-final exit from the 2022 T20 World Cup. He captained the side in 16 matches, securing 11 wins and only 5 losses. Despite his solid leadership record, the return of Rohit Sharma ahead of the 2024 World Cup meant Pandya was removed from the leadership role.
With Rohit’s retirement after India’s 2024 T20 World Cup victory, many expected Pandya to be handed the captaincy. However, the selectors went in a different direction, appointing Suryakumar Yadav as the captain and leaving Pandya without any leadership role. Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar mentioned that the need for a player available more regularly was a key factor in the decision to pick Suryakumar.
Despite not being given leadership duties, Pandya continues to shine on the field. He was named Player of the Series in India’s 3-0 T20I victory over Bangladesh in October 2024. Pandya remains a crucial part of the team due to his all-round abilities, contributing with both bat and ball in the T20 World Cup 2024 and beyond.
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