During a pre-departure press conference for India's white-ball tour of Sri Lanka, Ajit Agarkar, the chief selector, explained the decision to appoint Suryakumar Yadav as T20I captain instead of Hardik Pandya. This marked the beginning of Gautam Gambhir's era as the head coach of the Indian cricket team.
Agarkar stressed the importance of having a captain who is consistently available to play, citing Hardik Pandya's past fitness issues as a concern. He emphasised the need for a leader who is reliable and consistent on the field, which is why Suryakumar Yadav was chosen for the role.
Praising Yadav's cricketing intelligence and status as one of the best T20I batters in the world, Agarkar highlighted his strategic understanding of the game and consistent performance as qualities that make him a suitable captain.
While Hardik Pandya remains a crucial player for the team due to his unique skillset, his fitness challenges were a significant factor in the decision-making process. Agarkar acknowledged that fitness has been a challenge for Pandya in recent years, making it difficult for the selectors and head coach.
The press conference also introduced Gautam Gambhir as the new head coach of the Indian team, aiming to bring a fresh perspective and strategy to the team.
Ultimately, the decision to appoint Suryakumar Yadav as T20I captain was driven by the need for a reliable and consistently present leader on the field, despite Hardik Pandya's valuable contributions. The team's leadership dynamics and strategies are expected to evolve under Gambhir's coaching tenure.