‘Gautam Gambhir clearly says he won’t work with…’: How SKY vs Hardik T20I captaincy saga started

The selection of India’s next T20I captain has become a point of contention within the BCCI, with head coach Gautam Gambhir emerging as a key figure in the debate.

Uncertain baton pass from Rohit Sharma

Following Rohit Sharma‘s retirement from T20Is after India’s World Cup victory, the BCCI faces the task of appointing a new leader for the format. Initial expectations pointed towards Hardik Pandya, the vice-captain during the World Cup, as the natural successor.

Surprise contender: Suryakumar Yadav emerges

However, a recent development has seen India’s top-ranked batsman, Suryakumar Yadav, emerge as a surprise front-runner.

This shift in favor of Yadav appears to be driven by the combined opinion of chief selector Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir.

Gautam Gambhir preference?

While Gautam Gambhir hasn’t explicitly endorsed Yadav, he has reportedly expressed a preference for a captain with minimal workload management concerns. With Yadav being a white-ball specialist and currently in top form, he becomes a strong candidate under this criteria.

“Although Gambhir did not directly pitch for Surya in the call, he made it amply clear that he would want to work with a captain whose workload does not become a stumbling block,” a BCCI official revealed to Hindustan Times.

Hardik Pandya Case

Hardik Pandya, though initially favored, faces challenges due to his injury history. A serious ankle injury kept him out of action for most of 2023, raising concerns about his long-term availability.

BCCI selection committee divided

Despite Gautam Gambhir’s stance, the BCCI selection committee remains split. Some members advocate for Pandya, citing his experience as World Cup vice-captain and his improved performance during the tournament.

Following the internal discussions, Gambhir reportedly reached out to Pandya to inform him of the latest developments surrounding the captaincy decision.

Suryakumar Yadav leadership experience?

While Suryakumar Yadav seems to be gaining traction, his limited leadership experience remains a concern. He has only captained India in seven T20Is and lacks prior experience as an IPL captain. Additionally, nearing 35 years old, questions arise about his longevity in the captaincy role.

Long-Term Solution Needed by BCCI

The BCCI faces a complex decision. While Yadav’s current form and workload management are attractive, his lack of experience is a drawback. Pandya offers experience but carries the risk of injury setbacks.

Ultimately, the BCCI needs to choose a captain who can not only lead India to immediate success but also provide a stable long-term solution for the T20I format.