Former Indian cricketer Kris Srikkanth has expressed his dissatisfaction with the reasoning provided by Ajit Agarkar regarding Hardik Pandya’s non-selection as T20I captain. Agarkar, who is part of the selection committee, cited fitness concerns as the primary factor behind this decision. However, Srikkanth remains unconvinced.
Agarkar emphasized that Hardik’s fitness issues influenced the decision. The selectors wanted someone who would be available consistently. Despite this, they believe that Suryakumar Yadav possesses the necessary qualities to be a captain.
Hardik Pandya served as the designated vice-captain during India’s successful ICC Men’s T20 World Cup campaign. His performance with both bat and ball was crucial. However, the selectors opted not to elevate him to the captaincy position.
Srikkanth questions selectors’ lack of clarity in Hardik Pandya’s case
Srikkanth questions this decision, suggesting that Agarkar’s explanation lacks clarity. He believes that the selectors could have been more direct, stating that they wanted to drop Hardik from the role and move forward.
“I think they have gone from the feedback of the dressing room. It must have probably been from the IPL. Fitness is something that I will not agree with. 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. So, fitness is something that I won’t agree with,” Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel.
Ajit Agarkar also said that they had received “positive feedback from the dressing room” regarding leadership skills. However, Srikkanth was not convinced by the argument and felt that Suryakumar could be a great captain, but
“Feedback from the dressing room? I am not able to understand that. Yes, Suryakumar has the qualities to be captain. I agree with that. He could prove to be a very good captain. But the reasons for dropping Hardik Pandya as captain are beating around the bush in terms of the reasoning.”
Srikkanth also suggested that the selectors chose to beat around the bush rather than giving a straightforward answer that they wanted to drop Hardik as captain and move forward. Overall, he wanted the selectors to give a good explanation.
“Suryakumar is a fantastic person. I like him. So is Hardik. But 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.”
“I have also been chairman. I have picked players, dropped players and faced a lot of criticism. I am not saying I was God, I have also made mistakes. But you have to give a good explanation. I am not convinced by the reasoning.”
In the world of cricket, captaincy decisions often spark debates, and this one is no exception. While Agarkar stands by his reasoning, Srikkanth remains sceptical.
