Hardik Pandya informed by Gautam Gambhir and Ajit Agarkar for the change in T20I captaincy

The tussle for India's T20I captaincy is finally coming to an end with Suryakumar Yadav likely to pip Hardik Pandya to become India's next T20I captain. The decision has already been informed to Pandya by India's new head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar.

Hardik Pandya was India's vice-captain in the T20 World Cup 2024 where Rohit Sharma led the side. India went on to become the champions of the tournament, with Hardik Pandya playing a significant role in India's campaign.

After the final against South Africa, Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from the format, with other senior players Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja also following the same path.

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Hardik Pandya informed by Gautam Gambhir and Ajit Agarkar for the change in T20I captaincy plan

According to the reports, Hardik Pandya has already been informed about the change in succession plan, and the decision to appoint Suryakumar Yadav as captain has also been explained to him. The decision has been conveyed to Pandya by Gautam Gambhir and Ajit Agarkar.

Being the vice-captain in the T20 World Cup 2024, Hardik Pandya was expected to take over from Rohit Sharma as India's next T20I captain but the team management wanted to keep Hardik's workload management in mind.

Both Gambhir and Agarkar spoke to Hardik Pandya this evening about the change of plan and explained to him about appointment of Suryakumar Yadav as long-term captain in T20Is. pic.twitter.com/E8COY6Pf0r

— Himanshu Pareek (@Sports_Himanshu) July 16, 2024

According to the reports, Hardik Pandya's history of injury concerns seems to have tilted the scales against him. Hardik's international career has been affected due to injuries, which has also forced him to miss some important international tournaments for India.

Hardik Pandya has a history of injury concerns

Most recently, he was injured midway through the ODI World Cup 2023, which forced India to change its combination. India had a fantastic tournament till the final where they suffered a heartbreaking loss to Australia.

Hardik's skills as an allrounder make him an important asset for India, especially in white-ball formats. He is a designated finisher and also a capable fast bowler, able to complete the third seamer's role for the side when needed. He is known to perform in big games, which makes him a crucial player for India, especially in ICC tournaments.

In the recently concluded T20 World Cup 2024, Hardik Pandya played a key role in India's title win. He scored 144 runs in 8 matches at an average of 48 and a strike rate of 151.57. He played match-winning knocks in the Super 8 stage and the semi-final against England.

Hardik was excellent with the ball too as he picked up 11 wickets in 8 matches at an average of 17.36 and an economy rate of 7.64. He produced excellent figures in the group stage in the games against Pakistan, Ireland, and USA. He also bowled the last over of the final and successfully defended 16 runs to take India to a historic win.