Ashish Nehra explains why Suryakumar Yadav was chosen over Hardik Pandya as T20I captain

Former Indian pacer Ashish Nehra said he wasn't surprised by the Indian management's decision not to appoint Hardik Pandya as the T20I captain of the national team. However, Nehra emphasized that the Baroda all-rounder remains a crucial part of India's white-ball cricket setup.

Nehra worked closely with Hardik during the 2022 and 2023 IPL seasons at Gujarat Titans. As the head coach of the 2022 IPL champions, Nehra understood the management's reasons for naming Suryakumar Yadav as the T20I captain instead of Hardik, who was Rohit Sharma's deputy during the recent T20 World Cup. While it was expected that Hardik would take over the T20I captaincy after Rohit retired from the format, the BCCI decided to appoint Suryakumar to the role.

BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar explained that the team management wanted Hardik to focus on his fitness and supported Suryakumar in his new role. Agarkar pointed out Hardik's recurring injuries that have sidelined him several times in recent years.

"No, I am not surprised. When it comes to cricket, these things keep happening. Yes, Hardik Pandya was vice-captain in the World Cup, but at the same time, there is a new coach who has come in. Every coach and every captain have different thoughts. At this time, his (Gambhir's) ideas are toward that direction," Nehra said.

"I think Ajit Agarkar and Gautam Gambhir have made it clear, that's good. He is playing one format, 50-over also, he is playing less. Hardik Pandya, in white-ball cricket, will remain a very, very important player for Indian cricket," he further added.

Nehra further explained Hardik's importance in the team, saying his all-round capabilities bring balance to the side.

"When you have him, you can have 4 fast bowlers, he brings in a different balance to the side and keep in mind, that there's no impact player in international cricket. Not just Hardik Pandya, but when you have so many matches, there will be changes. Even Rishabh Pant has captained, KL Rahul has captained," he concluded.