India all-rounder Hardik Pandya found the leadership responsibility in the shortest format, which seemed to be his after Rohit Sharma‘s retirement, taken away from him after Gautam Gambhir was hired as the team’s new head coach. Gambhir, in consultation with chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar, handed the captaincy responsibility to Suryakumar Yadav in T20Is, while Shubman Gill was made his deputy. Reflecting on the decision, Ashish Nehra, the man who coached Hardik during his role as captain at Gujarat Titans, isn’t surprised to see this move by the Indian team management.

Hardik and Nehra had a successful stint at Gujarat Titans as captain-coach, which saw the team reach two Indian Premier League finals in two years, winning one. But, Nehra feels Gambhir has some other ideas with respect to the way he plans to run the Indian team going forward, and Hardik doesn’t come into those plans as a captain or vice-captain.

“No, I am not surprised. When it comes to cricket, these things keep happening. Yes, Hardik Pandya was vice-captain in the World Cup, but at the same time, there is a new coach who has come in. Every coach and every captain have different thoughts. At this time, his (Gambhir’s) ideas are toward that direction,” Nehra told Sports Tak.

In the press conference before Team India flight to Sri Lanka, Agarkar cited fitness as the primary reason behind the decision to deny T20I captaincy to Hardik. Nehra too was in agreement with the chief selector on the topic.

“I think Ajit Agarkar and Gautam Gambhir have made it clear, that’s good. He is playing one format, 50-over also, he is playing less. 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 and keep in mind, that there’s no impact player in international cricket.

“Not just Hardik Pandya, but when you have so many matches, there will be changes. Even Rishabh Pant has captained, KL Rahul has captained,” he added.

Nehra was also pleased to see Shubman Gill being given the role of vice-captain in both T20Is and ODIs, but the former India pacer also admitted that the batter 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.

“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 is not someone who thinks that whatever he is doing is right. He is not that kind of guy. Be it a youngster or an experienced player, he likes to have a discussion and learn,” he said.

File image of Hardik Pandya.© AFP

India head coach Gautam Gambhir© X (Twitter)

Team India is all set to face Sri Lanka in a white-ball series, which will kick start from July 27. The series consists of three T20Is, followed as many ODIs, starting from August 2. In the T20Is, Team India will be led by batter Suryakumar Yadav, who has been appointed as the captain after the retirement of Rohit Sharma from the shortest format. This came as a surprise for many fans as all-rounder Hardik Pandya was expected to don the leader’s cap. However on Monday, India’s T20I squad left for Sri Lanka and heartfelt scenes were captured from the airport. At the airport, Hardik was seen a joyful mood as he hugged India’s assistant coach Abhishek Nayar.

#WATCH | Mumbai | Indian Men’s Cricket Team arrives at the Airport, they’ll leave for Sri Lanka, shortly.

Indian Cricket Team will play the ODI and T20I series, 3 matches each, against Sri Lanka, starting on July 27 and ending on August 7. pic.twitter.com/ZmBmBqLasH

— ANI (@ANI) July 22, 2024

Hardik was replaced by Shubman Gill as the vice-captain of Team India for the Sri Lanka tour. Apart from cricket, the all-rounder is also going through a rough patch in his personal life as he got separated from his wife Natasa Stankovic.

Regarding Hardik, chief selector Ajit Agarkar stated that Surya was chosen over him as the selection committee is concerned about his fitness.

“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,” said Agarkar during a press conference.

“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,” he added.

This series will also mark former India batter Gautam Gambhir‘s first assignment as the head coach. He will be having the support of his Kolkata Knight Riders support staff Nayar and Ryan Ten Doeschate.

“I have worked closely with Abhishek and Ryan in the last two months at IPL with KKR. Both are absolute professionals and hopefully they will have a successful stint with the Indian team as coaches,” said Gambhir.

New Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir has admitted that the retirement of stalwarts is a natural thing, and that the team will have to adapt to transition phases. Gambhir’s arrival as coach was preceded by the retirement of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja from T20Is, following India’s 2024 T20 World Cup victory. Asked whether Gambhir instead encouraged players to be versatile enough for different formats, and emphasised on being consistent in their selection across formats.

“Eventually going forward these things happen. But can’t say right now that there are going to be three different teams,” said Gambhir, speaking in a press conference for the first time since being appointed as India’s head coach.

“I think we will go through a transition in T20s, because Virat (Kohli), Rohit (Sharma) and Ravindra (Jadeja) are not there,” he said.

“In 50 overs and Test cricket, the more consistent we can be the better. The more players that can play both formats, the better for the team,” said Gambhir.

Chief selector Agarkar backed up Gambhir’s statement: “You don’t decide on three different teams.”

“Just to try and find the best balance depending on the format you’re player, be it the same players or different. Nothing is pre-decided. Eventually you try and pick the best 15,” stated Agarkar.

The speculation about three different teams comes after notable differences in the T20I and ODI squads picked for India’s tour to Sri Lanka. In particular, T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav was not included in the ODI setup.

No Surya in ODIs

Agarkar admitted that Suryakumar Yadav was not even discussed for ODIs, with the return of KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer.

“Shreyas is back, KL is back, they had great World Cups. Rishabh is back as well. So there is some real quality through the middle order,” Agarkar said.

“At this point, Surya is a T20 player,” Agarkar said firmly.

India’s 3-match T20I and 3-match ODI tour to Sri Lanka begins from July 27.

Team India left for Sri Lanka on Monday for the upcoming white-ball series. The series will begin from July 27, with three T20Is followed by three ODIs. In the T20Is, the visitors will be led by star batter Suryakumar Yadav while regular skipper Rohit Sharma will be leading in the ODIs. It came as a huge surprise for everyone as all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who was being touted as the most deserving replacement of Rohit, was chosen over Surya. Not only this, Pandya was replaced as the vice-captain by young batter Shubman Gill.

Ahead of the Sri Lanka, newly-appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir and chairman of the selection committee Ajit Agarkar held a press conference in Mumbai. 

On being asked about appointment of Gill as the vice-captain in both T20Is and ODIs, Agarkar praised the young opener, calling him an all-format player who has quality in his game. 

“When Hardik did get injured it was a bit of a challenge. Rohit was still around was around, made our life a lot easier.  He came and led. We don’t want that situation going forward again. Shubman is the guy we feel again as he is a three-format player firstly, and he has shown quality over the last year or so,” said Agarkar.

“You try and have somebody who can also learn from a couple of the senior guys that are there. Surya in this instance or Rohit who’s still around, so we don’t face the same challenges (that) suddenly (you are) trying to look for a captain in case there are injuries or loss of form somewhere. He’s shown some decent leadership qualities,” he added. 

This series also marks the return of KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer, who got overlooked in the past few series. Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has also found a place in the squad. 

Agarkar said the door is not shut for the former deputies like KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant and even Pandya as far as leadership role is concerned.

“We need to get him (Pant) back playing, that’s the first thing. He’s going to be a key to us as a player; hasn’t had a lot of cricket. We’ll see what he can do. We don’t want to burden somebody again who’s just coming back after over a year out of the game. KL has not been part of T20 now for a little while,” he said.

India head coach Gautam Gambhir and selection committee chief Ajit Agarkar addressed a joint press conference ahead of the team’s departure to Sri Lanka for a white-ball series, featuring 3 ODIs and 3 T20Is. During the press conference in Mumbai, Agarkar and Gambhir shared their views on some of the most talked-about topics in Indian cricket, including the non-selection of Hardik Pandya as T20I skipper, as Suryakumar Yadav was promoted to the leadership role. Gambhir and Agarkar also explained why Ravindra Jadeja was not picked for the ODI series, and Shubman Gill‘s future as a player and a leader in the three formats.

We take a look at the biggest takeaways from the Gautam Gambhir-Ajit Agarkar Press Conference:

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli‘s ODI Future:

Gautam Gambhir didn’t rule out the possibility of selecting the veteran duo for the next ODI World Cup in 2027. Gambhir, however, set a clear condition for their selection, saying the two could be part of the side if they can keep their fitness intact.

“I think they’ve shown what they can deliver on the big stage whether it was the T20 World Cup and in the 50 over World Cup as well. I think both those guys have got a lot of cricket left in them and more importantly with the Champions Trophy and a big tour of Australia, obviously they would be motivated enough, and then hopefully they can keep their fitness till the 2027 World Cup as well. This is a very personal decision. I can’t say how much cricket is left in them.

“Ultimately it’s up to them as well. It’s up to the players how much can they contribute to the team’s success because ultimately it’s the team that is important. But looking at what Virat and Rohit can deliver, I think they still have a lot of cricket and they’re still world-class players and obviously any team would want to have both of them for as long as possible,” Gambhir said.

Suryakumar Yadav’s T20I Captaincy and ODI future:

Chief selector Ajit Agarkar confirmed that Hardik’s fitness issues paved the way for Suryakumar Yadav to get the T20I captaincy. But, as for now, the explosive batter has no place in India’s ODI squad. The return of Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer has made Surya’s ODI competition even more fierce.

Ravindra Jadeja’s Absence From Sri Lanka ODIs:

With an intense test schedule awaiting the Indian team, the selection committee preferred to give Ravindra Jadeja a break by not selecting him for the ODI series against Sri Lanka, Agarkar confirmed that the spin-bowling all-rounder wasn’t dropped from the team.

“I think we should have clarified this when we announced the squad. He hasn’t been dropped (but rested). There are a lot of Test series coming up, and he will be playing a lot of those,” Agarkar said.

Shubman Gill As Vice-Captain:

The opening batting has been elevated as Team India’s vice-captain in ODIs and T20Is. The big decision comes in because of BCCI’s long-term plans for him. Agarkar confirmed that Gill is a player in all three formats and the selectors want to give him ample experience in the leadership role, help him hone his skills.

“Shubman Gill is the guy we feel is a three-format player. Has shown a lot more qualities over the last year, that’s what we hear from the dressing room. He has shown some decent leadership qualities. We want to try and give him the experience,” Agarkar revealed.

Hardik Pandya’s Fitness:

While confirming that Hardik is still an extremely valuable player for the team, Agarkar admitted that the all-rounder’s fitness is the biggest concern for the selectors. With Hardik being a non-captain, the team management even hopes to manage his workload and skillset better.

“Fitness has been something that he’s struggled with. As selectors, it becomes difficult then. The thought behind it was that we want someone (as captain) who is likely to be available more.

“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, about whether their role has changed. And yeah we’ve spoken to him.”

Mohammed Shami‘s return:

The veteran pacer hasn’t featured for India since the conclusion of ODI World Cup last year. Agarkar revealed that Shami has resumed bowling in the nets and could be available for the Bangladesh Test series.

“He has started to bowl. The first Test is 19th September. That was always the goal (him making a comeback by that time). Whether he can make it back to the squad by that (Bangladesh series) time, I’ll have to speak with the guys at the NCA,” he said.

Relationship With Virat Kohli:

As the rumour-mill over Kohli’s relationship with Gambhir continues to remain a big talking point, the India head coach confirmed that both will be fighting for the same team, and hence, there’s no question of their perspectives being divided. As for their personal relationship, Gambhir refused to give headlines for TRPs, saying that remains a private matter between the two.

“It (rumours of a tiff) is good for the TRP but my relationship with him has been good. What’s important is we are representing 140 crore Indians. We’ve shared messages. It’s not important if we have chatted before my announcement or after. He is a world-class player, I have huge respect for him,” Gambhir said.

India head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar have let in an insight into why Hardik Pandya has not been given a leadership role in the India squad for the upcoming T20I and ODI tour to Sri Lanka. The most notable headline of Gambhir’s first India squad was that Suryakumar Yadav had been promoted to captaincy of the team in shortest format, while Hardik Pandya was not even made the vice-captain in any format. Agarkar hinted that Pandya’s demotion was to do with his fitness concerns.

“As far as Hardik is concerned, fitness has been something that he’s struggled with. As selectors, it becomes difficult then. The thought behind it was that we want someone (as captain) who is likely to be available more,” said Agarkar, as him and Gambhir appeared in a press conference, the latter’s first as India head coach.

Agarkar emphasised that Hardik remains a key player for Team India, with his all-round skillset.

“He (Pandya) is still a very important player. And that’s what we want him to be, those skillsets are hard to find,” added Agarkar.

Pandya played a starring role in India’s 2024 T20 World Cup victory in June, with 144 runs with the bat and 11 wickets with the ball in 8 games. However, Agarkar has reasoned that Suryakumar Yadav is the right choice for captaincy.

“He (Suryakumar Yadav) is a deserving candidate. He has been a great batter for us. We feel that Surya has all the necessary qualities to be a good captain,” said Agarkar.

While Suryakumar Yadav has led India in T20Is in the past, his promotion to the role of captain should not come as a surprise after Gambhir’s appointment. After all, Gambhir had made him his deputy at Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) when Suryakumar was just 24 years old.

India squads for Sri Lanka tour:

T20I Squad: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Shubman Gill (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rinku Singh, Riyan Parag, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sanju Samson (WK), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, Mohd. Siraj.

ODI Squad: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill (VC), Virat Kohli, KL Rahul (WK), Rishabh Pant (WK), Shreyas Iyer, Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Riyan Parag, Axar Patel, Khaleel Ahmed, Harshit Rana.

Gautam Gambhir Press Conference: India head coach gives insights into the future© BCCI/Sportzpics

1. Hardik Pandya not part of leadership group

Whilst Gambhir’s faith in Suryakumar Yadav is not a surprise, what is alarming is the complete omission of Hardik Pandya from any sort of captaincy role. Instead, it is India’s captain in the Zimbabwe tour, Shubman Gill, who has been named vice-captain in both the ODIs and T20Is.

One can only speculate the real reason behind Hardik’s downfall on the captaincy pecking order. Is it Hardik’s disastrous Mumbai Indians stint? Or is it the fact that Hardik’s injury-prone nature means he may not always be a part of the squad? It could also be that Gambhir is firmly looking towards the future, aiming to prepare Gill as India’s next captain in all formats from now itself.

2. Shubman Gill’s Big Promotion

Gambhir seems to have his eyes set firmly on the 2027 World Cup, and it seems like Shubman Gill is his vote as the nation’s future captain in all formats. Gill has been named as the vice-captain in both the T20I and the ODI squads, ahead of Hardik Pandya no less. With Rohit being 37 and Suryakumar 33, Gambhir is looking to mould a future captain right from the start.

3. Abhishek Sharma, Kuldeep Yadav, Ruturaj Gaikwad left out of T20I squad

Despite Kuldeep’s starring role in India’s 2024 T20 World Cup victory – where he picked up 10 wickets in just five games – he has been left out of the T20I squad. The reason behind this could be to manage Kuldeep’s workload, as he still continues to feature in the ODI squad.

Gambhir has also worked in close quarters with Ravi Bishnoi in the past at Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), and may trust him as India’s lead spinner in T20Is.

Gaikwad has also been left out, despite a fine T20I series against Zimbabwe. He has been left out from both squads, with the likes of Riyan Parag favoured over him.

Abhishek Sharma scored a ton against Zimbabwe but he has also been dropped from the Sri Lanka tour, while off-colour Riyan Parag has been picked for both T20Is and ODIs.

4. Gambhir backs his KKR boys

KKR stars Shreyas Iyer, Harshit Rana (ODIs) and Rinku Singh (T20Is) are all part of Gambhir’s first India squad. Much like Suryakumar, Gambhir’s faith in Shreyas Iyer also does not come as a surprise, after he guided KKR to a third IPL title in 2024. Harshit Rana had an excellent campaign, and could be utilised as a handy lower-order batsman as well in the ODI format.

Here the India squads for Sri Lanka tour –

T20I Squad: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Shubman Gill (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rinku Singh, Riyan Parag, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sanju Samson (WK), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, Mohd. Siraj. 

ODI Squad: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill (VC), Virat Kohli, KL Rahul (WK), Rishabh Pant (WK), Shreyas Iyer, Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Riyan Parag, Axar Patel, Khaleel Ahmed, Harshit Rana.