Team India's star players Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav, both involved in the T20 captaincy race, shared a warm hug as they reunited after India's T20 World Cup 2024 triumph. With veteran Rohit Sharma stepping down from the T20I captaincy, both Surya and Hardik were contenders for the role.
For IND vs SL three-match T20I series, Suryakumar Yadav was eventually chosen as new captain of India's T20 side, edging out Hardik.
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Speculations arose among fans about the potential tension between Hardik and Surya. However, putting an end to these speculations, the duo was seen hugging it out on Team India's travel day from Mumbai to Pallekele via Colombo. In a video posted by BCCI on X (Twitter), Hardik approached Suryakumar, who stood up from his seat to greet the all-rounder warmly.
The duo also share the same dressing room in Indian Premier League (IPL), playing for Mumbai Indians (MI).
Watch video here...
In a press conference, BCCI chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar explained why Suryakumar Yadav was preferred over Hardik Pandya for the T20I captaincy role.
"Regarding Hardik, he's still a very important player for us. Fitness has obviously been a challenge for him... Then it becomes difficult for the coach or selectors. Fitness is a clear challenge and we want someone who is available more often than not. Having said that, we believe Surya has the qualities necessary to be a captain. We also feel we can manage Hardik better. We've seen what he can do with the bat and ball in the World Cup... We speak to every player, whether their role has changed. And yeah we've spoken to him," Ajit Agarkar said in the press conference.
India's tour to Sri Lanka begins with a three-match T20I series, starting from July 27 onwards.