Cricket

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.

Suryakumar Yadav Hints at Axar Patel's Inclusion in Playing XI for Sri Lanka T20I OpenerNewly appointed Indian T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav has dropped a strong indication that left-arm spinner Axar Patel will play a crucial role in the upcoming series opener against Sri Lanka in Pallekele.As India embarks on a new era under Yadav's leadership, the team's strategy and team selection will be closely scrutinized. Yadav, who previously captained India to a 4-1 series victory over Australia in 2023, will be eager to establish his authority and guide the team to success.During India's first training session in Sri Lanka, Yadav was captured on camera advising Patel to "take it easy" and that he would be "seen bowling in the third and fourth over." This comment suggests that Patel is likely to be included in the playing XI for the first T20I, especially considering the spin-friendly conditions expected in Pallekele.Patel's inclusion aligns with the strategy employed by former T20I captain Rohit Sharma, who frequently utilized Patel's skills during the powerplay overs. Patel's ability to control the run rate and pick up wickets early on could prove invaluable for India in the upcoming series.Yadav's decision to include Patel in the playing XI also highlights the importance of spin bowling in T20 cricket. With the advent of power-hitting and aggressive batting, spinners have become increasingly crucial in providing control and variation. Patel's left-arm orthodox bowling style and ability to generate turn and bounce could be a potent weapon for India in Sri Lanka.As India prepares for the first T20I against Sri Lanka, all eyes will be on Yadav's leadership and the team's performance. The inclusion of Patel in the playing XI is a clear indication that Yadav is keen on utilizing the spinner's skills and establishing a balanced and effective team.

Suryakumar Yadav's sensational catch to dismiss David Miller in the T20 World Cup 2024 final proved to be a pivotal moment in India's triumph. The catch, which sparked controversy over whether Yadav's feet touched the boundary line, was hailed by teammate Axar Patel as "high-pressure" and "amazing."Patel, who was fielding at mid-wicket, initially believed the ball had cleared the boundary. However, Yadav's acrobatic effort left his teammates questioning whether he had stepped on the rope. "Even Surya bhai was not sure," Patel revealed. "First he said Yes I am confident and within a few seconds he said I am not sure. Thoda doubtful lag raha (I am not too sure)."Upon reviewing the replay, the Indian team erupted in jubilation, believing they had secured the World Cup. "It was a high-pressure catch and the way he maintained his balance was amazing," Patel said.Yadav's catch was not the only highlight of India's victory. Patel's own stunning catch at deep mid-wicket to dismiss Mitchell Marsh in the match against Australia also played a crucial role. However, Patel ranked Yadav's catch higher."That catch gave us the World Cup and I am happy with being the second-best," Patel said. "I was confident of taking it with both my hands. But it was flying and in the last second I had to time my jump, stretch my one hand and it stuck. But if I have to pick, any day I would keep Surya bhai's catch ahead of mine."Yadav's catch has been widely praised for its athleticism and precision. It is a testament to his exceptional fielding skills and his unwavering determination to contribute to India's success.

Team India embarked on their journey to Sri Lanka on Monday for the upcoming white-ball series, commencing on July 27. The tour features three T20Is and three ODIs, with Suryakumar Yadav leading the T20I squad and Rohit Sharma captaining the ODI team.The appointment of Shubman Gill as vice-captain in both formats raised eyebrows, as many expected Hardik Pandya to assume the role. However, chairman of the selection committee Ajit Agarkar explained the decision, citing Gill's all-format capabilities and leadership qualities."Shubman is a three-format player who has shown quality over the last year or so," Agarkar said. "We want someone who can learn from senior players like Surya and Rohit, so we don't face challenges in finding a captain in case of injuries or loss of form."The series marks the return of KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer, who were overlooked in recent series. Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant also made the squad, despite his recent injury layoff.Agarkar emphasized that the door remains open for former deputies like Rahul, Pant, and Pandya to assume leadership roles in the future. "We need to get Pant playing again," he said. "KL has not been part of T20s for a while, so we'll see what he can do."The Indian team will be eager to perform well in Sri Lanka, as they prepare for the upcoming T20 World Cup in Australia later this year. The series will provide valuable experience and help the team fine-tune their strategies.

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."

India's chief selector, Ajit Agarkar, has shed light on the rationale behind the recent leadership appointments in the Indian cricket team. Suryakumar Yadav has been named as the full-time T20I captain, while Shubman Gill has been handed the vice-captaincy in the limited-overs formats.Agarkar emphasized that the decision to appoint Yadav as captain was based on his exceptional batting skills and leadership qualities. He highlighted Yadav's consistent performance as one of the world's top T20 batters and his ability to lead the team effectively.Regarding the decision to not appoint Hardik Pandya as vice-captain, Agarkar explained that the team management wants to manage his workload better. Pandya's fitness has been a concern in recent years, and the selectors believe that giving him additional leadership responsibilities could exacerbate this issue.Agarkar also discussed the grooming of Shubman Gill as a potential future captain. Gill has shown promising leadership qualities and is seen as a three-format player with the potential to succeed in all formats of the game.The selection panel also addressed the absence of Sanju Samson from the ODI squad for the Sri Lanka tour. Agarkar explained that KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant were preferred as wicketkeepers due to their recent performances and experience.Agarkar clarified that Ravindra Jadeja was not dropped from the ODI set-up but was rested to give opportunities to Axar Patel. He also mentioned that some Test players are likely to participate in the first Duleep Trophy game to prepare for the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh.

Suryakumar Yadav has been appointed as the captain of the Indian T20 team for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka, which will feature three T20 Internationals and three ODIs starting on July 27. The decision was made based on Yadav's fitness, consistent availability, and positive feedback from the dressing room, according to chief selector Ajit Agarkar.Agarkar emphasized the importance of having a captain who can participate in all games, especially considering the team's recent struggles with injuries. Yadav's fitness and reliability made him the ideal choice, as he is one of the most consistent T20 batters in the world."He is one of the best T20 batters, and as captain, he is likely to play all the games," Agarkar explained. "We think he is a deserving captain and we will see how he fits into the role."The decision to appoint Yadav over Hardik Pandya was also influenced by Pandya's ongoing fitness concerns. While Pandya possesses unique skills, his availability has been limited due to injuries."Hardik's skill-sets are difficult to find, and fitness is difficult to find," Agarkar said. "We have got a bit more time, and we can look at a few things."Agarkar also revealed that feedback from the dressing room played a role in the decision-making process. The team's overall sentiment was considered, indicating that Yadav has the support of his teammates.The T20 series against Sri Lanka will provide Yadav with an opportunity to prove his leadership abilities. He will lead a 15-member squad that includes several experienced players, such as Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Dinesh Karthik.Rohit Sharma, who retired from T20 internationals after leading India to the World Cup triumph in the West Indies, will return as the skipper of the one-day international team. The ODIs will be held on August 2, 4, and 7 at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

Gautam Gambhir, the newly appointed head coach of Team India, has outlined his vision for Indian cricket, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing the team's success over personal agendas. In his inaugural press conference alongside chief selector Ajit Agarkar, Gambhir stressed the need for transparency and direct communication to address any speculation regarding his appointment and the team's direction.Gambhir acknowledged the accomplishments of his predecessor, Rahul Dravid, and highlighted his intent to continue the team's legacy of achieving significant milestones. He stated, "I am taking over a very, very successful team. T20 World champions, runners-up in the WTC and ODI World Cup. The betterment of Gautam Gambhir is not important; Indian cricket is."Agarkar provided insights into the recent selection decisions, explaining the rationale behind appointing Suryakumar Yadav as the T20I captain over Hardik Pandya. He emphasized the importance of having a captain who can consistently participate in all games, citing Pandya's fitness challenges.Agarkar also addressed the exclusion of star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja from the Sri Lanka series, clarifying that Jadeja was rested, not dropped. He pointed out the strategic reasons for this decision, stating that it was pointless to take both Axar Patel and Jadeja in the same short series.Gambhir and Agarkar's remarks underscore a clear vision centered on strategic planning, transparency, and maintaining the high standards set by the team's recent successes. Moving forward, the focus is on the collective objective of enhancing Indian cricket, addressing challenges with clear communication, and making informed decisions for the future.