"Big setback for Hardik Pandya": Harbhajan Singh slams BCCI over Suryakumar Yadav’s captaincy appointment

Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh has yet again expressed his shock and disappointment over Hardik Pandya being ignored for the captaincy of the Indian cricket team in T20I cricket.

The star Indian all-rounder, who was expected to take the reins following Rohit Sharma's retirement from T20Is, has been overlooked by the BCCI for the top role despite he was vice-captain during India's 2024 T20 World Cup triumph in June.

Hardik Pandya was seen as the natural successor to Rohit as India’s T20I captain, but the BCCI stunned one and all with their unexpected decision to elevate Suryakumar Yadav as the captain in the format.

Harbhajan Singh expresses surprise as Hardik Pandya misses out on India's T20I captaincy

This unexpected decision left many wondering why Hardik was not given the nod. Reflecting on the decision, Harbhajan Singh noted that not only Pandya but also the Indian cricket team was certainly surprised by the BCCI’s startling call, as the captaincy was the next step in the star all-rounder’s journey.

The timing and reason behind this move have left many puzzled, including Harbhajan, especially with Suryakumar, an exceptional player in his own right, stepping into the role unexpectedly.

The former Indian spinner said that the change in captaincy comes as a significant blow for Hardik, who was expected to lead the Men in Blue in the shortest format of the game.

The absence of regular T20I matches throughout the year has fueled speculation as to why this decision was made, with some questioning whether fitness concerns played a role in Hardik's exclusion from the captaincy. However, Harbhajan Singh said that the BCCI was unfair to Pandya, and even Suryakumar might not have imagined this opportunity.

It's a big setback for Hardik Pandya: Harbhajan Singh

Harbhajan Singh was quoted as saying by Sports Yaari: “I was surprised. Up to some extent, I was disappointed. He was your vice-captain. When Rohit Sharma is not the captain, your vice-captain becomes the captain. But if you tell him on fitness ground that you will not be the captain, there's no T20I cricket round the year.”

Although Harbhajan expressed his disappointment regarding Pandya's exclusion from the T20I captaincy, he emphasized his respect for Suryakumar.

I have great respect for Suryakumar Yadav - Harbhajan

He praised India’s T20I captain as an outstanding player and a genuinely good person, highlighting his selfless nature.

The former cricketer signed off by saying, “He came after winning the T20 World Cup, and suddenly, it's a big setback for Hardik Pandya. It's not right. I have great respect for Suryakumar Yadav. Phenomenal player, great guy...very selfless. Even he wouldn't have thought that this would happen.”

Notably, Hardik is all set to play under Suryakumar’s captaincy for the first time in the upcoming three-match T20I series against Bangladesh, starting on Sunday, September 5, in Gwalior. He was taken a break from the recent white-ball series against Sri Lanka after the T20 World Cup 2024.