"Surprising that Hardik Pandya was India's vice-captain in T20 World Cup"- Ashish Nehra fires shots at his former captain

Former Indian fast bowler Ashish Nehra shared his views on the BCCI’s decision to overlook Hardik Pandya for the captaincy in the T20I format ahead of the Sri Lanka tour. Ashish Nehra stated that he's not surprised by the Indian management's decision to appoint Suryakumar Yadav as the new T20I captain.

Hardik Pandya led the Indian team in the shorter format in 2023 in the absence of Rohit Sharma. Hardik was the vice-captain during India's winning campaign in the T20 World Cup 2024. The all-rounder was expected to succeed Rohit, who announced his retirement from the T20I format after the World Cup.

However, newly appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar backed Suryakumar Yadav to lead the team in T20Is. During the pre-departure press conference, Ajit Agarkar clarified that Hardik's concerns led the team management to consider another player for the T20I captaincy.

It's Not Surprising That - Ashish Nehra

In a conversation with Sports Tak, Ashish Nehra acknowledged that such changes are common in cricket, especially with a new coach and management. Nehra said that it would be difficult for the team management to back Hardik, who plays only one format.

“It's not surprising that when it comes to cricket, these things happen. It's a bit surprising that Hardik Pandya, as you said, he was the vice-captain in the World Cup. But at the same time, a new coach has come. A new thought has come. So every coach and each captain has a different thought. So at this time, their thought is on that side," Nehra said on Sports Tak.

"Ajit Agarkar, Gautam Gambhir said a couple of days ago, if I am not mistaken talked about the fitness. He is not playing all formats, I mean, he is playing only one format, he even doesn't play the 50-over format that much. So it is difficult for Hardik Pandya or any coach or captain. I will just say that the thoughts are different,” he added.

Hardik Pandya last played for India in an ODI match during the ODI World Cup 2023. The 30-year-old was ruled out in the middle of the tournament after suffering an ankle injury. Notably, he also made him unavailable for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka, which is set to begin on August 2.

Hardik Pandya Is A Very Important Player - Ashish Nehra

Ashish Nehra said that Hardik Pandya brings a different balance to the team as the fourth fast bowler, describing him as a very important player for Indian cricket.

“Hardik Pandya is a very important player for Indian cricket. Whether he plays twice or not, he is the fourth fast bowler. He brings a different balance because there is no impact player rule. Hardik Pandya is not the only one. He is the one who plays more matches and cricket," Nehra added.

Ashish Nehra worked with Hardik Pandya as a coach for two years. Nehra and Pandya guided the Gujarat Titans (GT) to their first IPL title in 2022. The Ahmedabad team also reached the final in the next season but lost to the Chennai Super Kings. Pandya rejoined the Mumbai Indians (MI) for the IPL 2024 season.

Also read: “Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli don’t play in major 50-over tournaments” – Ashish Nehra’s stunning take on senior players’ future