Cricket

Hardik Pandya's captaincy woes have continued since his appointment as Mumbai Indians skipper in 2024. Despite being touted as a potential T20 captain for India, Pandya has faced setbacks and criticism.After a disappointing IPL season, where he was booed by fans, Pandya was overlooked for the T20 captaincy in favor of Rohit Sharma. Post the 2024 T20 World Cup, where he served as vice-captain, Pandya was again expected to take over the reins. However, Suryakumar Yadav was surprisingly named T20I skipper for the Sri Lanka Tour.BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar attributed the decision to Pandya's injury concerns. However, former Sri Lankan player Russell Arnold believes there may be more to the story."Hardik couldn't really gain the respect of everyone around him," Arnold told Sports Tak. "It's about getting everyone to gel and keeping everyone calm and happy so that you can pull in the one direction."Arnold suggests that Pandya's inability to command respect within the team may have influenced the BCCI's decision. He also highlights the impressive form of Suryakumar Yadav, who is considered one of the best T20 batters in the world."It's a great opportunity for Suryakumar to showcase what he can do and make it his own," Arnold added.Pandya's captaincy struggles have raised questions about his leadership abilities. While he is an exceptional player, his inability to inspire and unite his team has been a concern. The BCCI's decision to appoint Suryakumar Yadav as T20I skipper is a clear indication that they are looking for a different direction.It remains to be seen whether Pandya can regain the trust of the BCCI and the Indian cricket team. His injury concerns and leadership challenges will need to be addressed if he wants to fulfill his potential as a captain.

Indian cricket star Hardik Pandya and Serbian model-actress Natasa Stankovic have announced their separation after four years of marriage. The couple, who got engaged in 2020 and welcomed a son in 2021, released a joint statement on Instagram confirming their decision."After 4 years of being together, Natasa and I have decided to mutually part ways," the statement read. "We tried our best together and gave it our all, but we believe that this is in the best interest for the both of us."The couple emphasized that their son Agastya remains their top priority and that they will co-parent to ensure his happiness. They requested privacy during this difficult time.Rumors of trouble in the marriage had been circulating for several months, with fans noticing a lack of social media interactions and public appearances together. The couple had previously been known for their affectionate displays and frequent social media posts.Pandya, who played a crucial role in India's 2024 T20 World Cup victory, and Stankovic, who has appeared in several Bollywood films, had been considered one of the most popular celebrity couples in India. Their separation has come as a shock to many fans.The couple's decision to part ways has sparked speculation about the reasons behind the split. Some sources have suggested that the couple's busy schedules and different lifestyles may have contributed to the breakdown of their relationship.Despite the separation, Pandya and Stankovic have expressed their mutual respect and affection for each other. They have also requested that their privacy be respected during this sensitive time.

Former Indian opener Krishnamachari Srikkanth has expressed his displeasure over the reasons given by India's chief selector Ajit Agarkar for not appointing Hardik Pandya as the T20I captain. Agarkar had cited Pandya's injury history and uncertain availability as the primary reasons for overlooking him for the captaincy role.Srikkanth, however, believes that fitness should not have been a factor in the decision-making process. He pointed out that Pandya played the entire IPL season and bowled regularly, despite Mumbai Indians' failure to qualify for the playoffs. He also highlighted Pandya's performance as vice-captain during India's T20 World Cup triumph last month."Fitness is something that I will not agree with," Srikkanth said. "He played the entire IPL. He also bowled. Yes, he might not have done well (in the IPL). That's another issue. Mumbai Indians didn't qualify. At the World Cup, he was the vice-captain and he played well."Srikkanth also criticized the selectors for not being transparent about their decision. He believes they should have clearly stated that they were dropping Pandya as captain and moving forward with Suryakumar Yadav as a long-term option."The reasons that they are giving they could have said it in a straightforward manner 'we are dropping Hardik Pandya as captain, we want to move forward. We are looking at Suryakumar as a long term'. Make it clear. Say it without fear," he added.Agarkar, on the other hand, maintained that fitness was a major concern for the selectors. He explained that they wanted someone who was likely to be available more consistently."Fitness has been something that he's struggled with," Agarkar said. "As selectors, it becomes difficult then. The thought behind it was that we want someone who is likely to be available more."Agarkar also praised Suryakumar's fitness level and positive feedback from the team management as key factors in his selection as captain."Why Surya was made captain? Because he is one of the deserving candidates. The one we know has been around the dressing room over the last one year, you get feedback from the dressing room a lot. He has got a good cricketing brain and he is still one of the best T20 batters in the world," he said.

Hardik Pandya's leadership role in India's T20I team has been revoked, with Gautam Gambhir, the newly appointed head coach, opting for Suryakumar Yadav as captain and Shubman Gill as vice-captain. This decision has raised eyebrows, given Pandya's successful stint as captain of the Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League.Ashish Nehra, who coached Pandya at Gujarat Titans, expressed no surprise at the move. He believes that Gambhir has a different vision for the team and that Pandya does not fit into his plans as captain or vice-captain."Every coach and every captain have different thoughts. At this time, his (Gambhir's) ideas are toward that direction," Nehra said.Nehra also agreed with the chief selector, Ajit Agarkar, that Pandya's fitness was a factor in the decision. Pandya has been playing limited overs cricket and is not a regular in the Test team."Hardik Pandya, in white-ball cricket, will remain a very, very important player for Indian cricket. When you have him, you can have 4 fast bowlers, he brings in a different balance to the side," Nehra said.Nehra also praised the appointment of Shubman Gill as vice-captain, but acknowledged that he is still a "work in progress" as a leader."They have made Shubman Gill in not just one format, but in all three formats. That means you are looking ahead," Nehra said."Shubman Gill is a work in progress. He is 24-25 years old now. He will get better as we go ahead. He has the desire to play all 3 formats, he has the heart to learn," he added.

Hardik Pandya's leadership aspirations have faced another setback after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) appointed Suryakumar Yadav as the T20I captain for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka. This decision has sparked speculation about the potential impact on the relationship between Pandya and Yadav.However, a heartwarming moment captured on video before the team's departure to Sri Lanka has eased concerns. In the video, Pandya and Yadav are seen shaking hands and embracing, indicating that there is no animosity between them.At a pre-departure press conference, BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar explained the rationale behind the decision to appoint Yadav as captain. He cited Yadav's impressive performances, his cricketing acumen, and his status as one of the world's leading T20 batters.Agarkar also hinted that fitness played a role in the decision, as Yadav is more likely to be available for all matches. He emphasized that Pandya remains a crucial player for India, despite not being named captain."In regards to Hardik, he's still a very important player for us and that's what we want him to be, that player that he can be because those sorts of skill-sets are very difficult to find," said Agarkar.India's tour of Sri Lanka will commence with the first T20I on July 27. The three-match T20I series will be followed by a three-match ODI series.

India's T20I Captaincy: Hardik Pandya's Gesture Eases Concerns Over Leadership DynamicsAs India's captaincy in the shortest format remains a topic of discussion, the relationship between Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya has come under scrutiny. However, a recent gesture by Pandya has allayed concerns over any potential rift within the team.Before the T20I captaincy was handed over to Yadav, BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar revealed that Pandya had been consulted. Despite this, questions lingered about the leadership dynamics in the team.However, Pandya's warm embrace of Yadav as they departed for Sri Lanka for a white-ball series has put such talks to rest. The video shared by the BCCI captured the moment, showcasing a genuine bond between the two players.Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir addressed the media at a joint press conference, explaining the rationale behind Yadav's appointment as captain. Agarkar emphasized Yadav's cricketing acumen, consistency as a T20 batter, and proven fitness record."We wanted a captain who's going to be more likely to play all the games," Agarkar said. "We think he's a deserving candidate and hopefully we'll see over time how he develops into the role."Agarkar also confirmed that Pandya remains a crucial part of the Indian team in the white-ball circuit. "He's still a very important player for us," Agarkar said. "We're trying to now, we've got a bit more time till the next T20 World Cup when we can look at a few things."Pandya's fitness has been a concern in the past, and Agarkar acknowledged this factor in the decision-making process. "The fitness is a clear challenge and we want someone who's likely to be available more often than not," Agarkar said.The gesture between Pandya and Yadav suggests that the leadership transition has been handled smoothly and that the team remains united under Yadav's captaincy. As India prepares for the upcoming white-ball series in Sri Lanka, the focus will be on Yadav's performance as captain and the team's overall performance under his leadership.

Former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa has expressed his belief that Hardik Pandya should not be disheartened by his exclusion from leadership roles in Team India. Uthappa believes that the decision was made with Pandya's long-term interests in mind."If I was in Hardik's place, I would feel taken care of to a certain extent," Uthappa said in an interview with NDTV. "If I am 34 or 35 years old, and I am someone who has been injury-prone throughout my career, and a certain responsibility has been taken away from me with the mindset of extending my career, it has given me the best chance of offering my service to my country, for as long as possible."Uthappa emphasized that the absence of captaincy responsibilities could prolong Pandya's international career. "Knowing Hardik Pandya on a certain level personally, I would say he'll be someone saying 'fine, their perspective is also right'. They want a player of my quality and caliber to serve the country for as long as possible, I would love to do that as well," Uthappa added."If you ask me between the two what would I pick, I would say representing my country and winning as many world cup championships, irrespective of the fact whether I am the captain or just a player," Uthappa continued.Pandya's exclusion from leadership roles was attributed to his fitness and availability concerns, according to chief selector Ajit Agarkar. However, Uthappa believes that the decision was ultimately made to protect Pandya's long-term health and performance."I think it's a great decision for Hardik Pandya," Uthappa said. "It's a great decision for Indian cricket. It's a great decision for the future of Indian cricket. I think it's a great decision for Hardik Pandya's career."Pandya is currently part of India's squad for the upcoming T20I and ODI series against Sri Lanka.

Hardik Pandya's personal and professional life has been marred by a series of setbacks. His recent separation from wife Natasa Stankovic has been followed by his demotion as India's T20I captain, with Suryakumar Yadav taking over the reins.The selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, has expressed concerns about Pandya's fitness, which has been a recurring issue for the all-rounder. The committee is seeking a long-term captain and is monitoring Pandya's progress closely.To assess his fitness in the ODI format, Pandya will represent his home team Baroda in the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy. This marks his first appearance for Baroda since 2018.Pandya has faced criticism for his absence from domestic cricket, with former Baroda coach Dav Whatmore accusing him of neglecting his state team. Whatmore pointed out that Pandya has not played white-ball cricket for Baroda in years, despite being labeled as an all-rounder from the state.Agarkar, however, emphasized that Pandya remains a valuable asset to the Indian team due to his unique skill set. However, he acknowledged that fitness concerns have made it challenging to consider Pandya for the captaincy role.With the next T20 World Cup approaching, the selection committee is evaluating options and has time to make a decision on the captaincy. Pandya's fitness and performance in the Vijay Hazare Trophy will be crucial factors in determining his future role in the Indian team.

Hardik Pandya's injury woes have cast a shadow over his captaincy aspirations, leading to Suryakumar Yadav's appointment as India's T20I skipper for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka.Chief selector Ajit Agarkar emphasized the importance of a captain's availability, stating that Pandya's fitness concerns were a major factor in the decision. "The biggest thing is the captain should be on the park more often than not," Agarkar said.The selectors also cited feedback from the dressing room regarding Pandya's leadership and man-management skills, which they deemed insufficient. By handing the reins to Suryakumar Yadav, they aim to "press the reset button" ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup."We feel that Surya has the necessary qualities to be a good captain," Agarkar added. "Two years is a long time, so it gives us a chance to look at things differently."Pandya's injury during the 2023 ODI World Cup further complicated the situation, leaving the selectors with a dilemma. "When Hardik got injured, it was a challenge," Agarkar said. "We don't want that situation going forward again."Despite Pandya's absence, the selectors did not consider him for the vice-captaincy, instead opting for Shubman Gill. "Shubman is a three-format player and shows a lot of qualities," Agarkar explained. "We want someone who can learn from SKY and Rohit Sharma."Pandya's career trajectory has taken a rollercoaster turn, from being the captain-in-waiting to having the leadership door shut for now. The selectors have challenged him to regain peak form and fitness."He's still a very important player for us," Agarkar said. "Those skill sets are hard to find."Suryakumar Yadav, known for his exceptional T20 batting, now has the opportunity to prove his mettle as a captain. "SKY's got a good cricketing brain," Agarkar said. "We think he is a deserving candidate."