Home
BCCI's decision to appoint Suryakumar Yadav as the new T20I captain instead of Hardik Pandya came as shocking news as the all-rounder was deputy in charge of the Indian team that won the recently concluded edition of the T20 World Cup 2024 and everyone was expecting him to take up the role of the Rohit Sharma's successor in the shortest format of the game. Former Indian cricketer, Robin Uthappa believes that this decision from the Indian Cricket Board is actually in the best interest of the Mumbai Indians captain and would help him manage his workload in the future.
Robin Uthappa on India's T20I captaincy
The former player addressed how he does empathize with Hardik on an individual level but also believes it is a decision that is actually in the best interest of the all-rounder. He also revealed the possible reasons behind the management's decision.
“Obviously, I wasn't surprised but as a player, I could have emphasized with someone like Hardik Pandya because he has just won the World Cup and has made a lot of important performances and contributions. It was not like, he was a non-contributing member of a World Cup side, in fact he was one of the main contributing members of a World Cup team with the bat and ball as an all-rounder. I think that after Irfan Pathan, Hardik Pandya is the only all-rounder who contributed to the victory of the World Cup. Both come from Baroda. And we also know that fast bowling all-rounder is a rare commodity in Indian cricket. So, I think, keeping that in mind, he took the decision that he will have to manage his workload,” said Robin Uthappa in an exclusive conversation with Sports Tak which was arranged by Sony Sports Network.
ALSO READ: Rahul Dravid set for IPL return as head coach of this franchise after long absence: Report
"They have to help them extend their T20I and one day career as much as they can. They have to extend and support them. And keeping that in mind, and keeping consistency in the leadership group, maybe because of these two reasons, this decision has been taken to give Surya an opportunity to lead and see how he fits into the role also. And the experiment you can do, you can do it right now. It's the most ideal time to try who can lead. Especially when a new leadership group comes in the Indian team. It's like, if you imagine that when a new CEO comes in a corporate setup, they make a lot of changes, keeping in mind the goals that need to be achieved in the future. So, it's a bit of a shake up. It was okay. Of course, you know, if you look at it from an individual capacity, it must feel bad. And I can also empathize with someone like Hardik at this time. But when you listen to the reasons as to why Hardik was not given the captain's seat, it makes perfect sense, in my opinion. And I think it's done in the best interest of Hardik Pandya," he added.
World champions eye to make big statement
The upcoming tour of Sri Lanka will be consisting of three T20Is and as many as ODIs. The series starts on 27 July with the Suryakuamr Yadav-led Indian side taking on Sri Lanka. This will also be the first assignment for the Men in Blue under their new head coach Gautam Gambhir, who will be eyeing to make a great start to his tenure and pick up a dominant series win against the Lankan Lions at their home itself.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
