Why Suryakumar Yadav is likely to pip Hardik Pandya to become new T20I captain of India? Reason revealed

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Suryakumar Yadav has emerged as the favourite to become the new T20I captain of India after the retirement of Rohit Sharma after the T20 World Cup title triumph. Hardik Pandya, the vice-captain of the Indian team at the marquee event, was also one of the strong contenders to become the successor of Rohit Sharma.

Reports have emerged that the BCCI selection committee has zeroed down on the name of Suryakumar Yadav as the next T20 captain of India. The decision has largely been taken keeping the longer picture in mind.

Hardik Pandya's fitness has been an issue over the years, and the selectors wanted to go with someone who is available for a longer period of time. The Indian Express on Tuesday reported that Hardik Pandya has made himself unavailable for selection for the three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka.

However, he would be available for the preceding three T20Is and is likely to play under Suryakumar Yadav. Interestingly, former captain Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya - all play for the Mumbai Indians in IPL.

Rohit and Suryakumar played under the captaincy of Hardik in IPL 2023. Hardik was Rohit's deputy in the T20 World Cup 2024 which India won by beating South Africa in the final, and now Suryakumar Yadav looks set to lead the Men in Blue in the shortest format.

It was Hardik Pandya who took over India's T20I captaincy after Rohit Sharma took a sabbatical from T20Is after India's loss in the final of the T20 World Cup 2024. However, Suryakumar Yadav also came in the picture after Hardik injured himself during the T20 World Cup 2023.

He led India against Australia and South Africa, and seven five of the seven matches. He has one hundred and two fifties to his name as the captain of the Indian T20I team.

Gautam Gambhir's vote is also believed to have played a role. Suryakumar Yadav was part of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) team when Gautam Gambhir was captain. Also, Suryakumar Yadav, the second ranked T20I batter in the world, is an unlikely inclusion in the Test and ODI squads. This gives India a top quality senior player focussed only on T20I cricket.

The workload on Hardik Pandya would be comparatively higher. With the ODI ICC Champions Trophy set to be held next year, Hardik will be needed to be kept ready for the longer version of the game, and his workload management would be crucial.