Mumbai: There have been rumours of a possible rift between Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav lately after the latter was made the T20I captain of the Indian cricket team. But, how much of it is actually true? Contrary to all the speculations and rumours doing the rounds, Hardik was spotted hugging Suryakumar tightly at the airport before the T20I squad left for Sri Lanka for a series. The Indian board took to social media and shared a clip where fans can see the hug between the two players. The gesture between the two players would surely calm the fans.
Here is the clip:
Mumbai to Pallekele via Colombo #TeamIndia have reached Sri Lanka #SLvIND pic.twitter.com/ffDYJOV7wm
— BCCI (@BCCI) July 22, 2024
India’s chief selector Ajit Agarkar revealed why the decision went in Suryakumar’s favour. As per Agarkar, a dressing-room feedback was taken and most favoured Suryakumar and that is where Hardik lost out. “We listened to the feedbacks from the dressing room,” is how Agarkar put with regards to making Suryakumar Yadav the captain.
“We received good feedbacks about Surya and we believe he has the qualities and hopefully he can develop into the role,” Agarkar said of their pick,” he said further.
“Fitness obviously has been a challenge for him (Pandya) over the last few years and that becomes a little bit difficult for a coach and selectors. We want someone who is available more often than not,” Agarkar added.
Meanwhile, the Indian team embarked on a new journey under Gautam Gambhir as the Men in Blue departed for Sri Lankan tour from Mumbai on Monday. India will play three T20Is scheduled from July 27, July 28, and July 30, followed by a three-match ODI series starting on August 1. The Pallekele International Stadium will host the T20I leg of the series, while the R Premadasa Stadium will host the 50-over matches.
