'Koi galat kaam nahi kia': Former India star says Hardik Pandya was entitled to India’s T20I captaincy

Former Indian middle-order batsman Mohammad Kaif believes that Hardik Pandya was the more deserving candidate for the T20I captaincy over Suryakumar Yadav. The 43-year-old noted that Pandya has proven himself as a successful captain in the IPL, notably leading the Gujarat Titans to victory in his first attempt. However, Kaif is open to giving Suryakumar a chance to showcase his leadership skills.

Despite expectations that Pandya would be named T20I captain for the upcoming Sri Lanka tour, Suryakumar Yadav was ultimately chosen for the role. Reports suggest that concerns about Pandya's susceptibility to injuries played a significant role in the decision to appoint Suryakumar as captain.

In an interview with IANS, Kaif expressed his surprise at the selection, as he believed Pandya's track record warranted the captaincy. He emphasized that Pandya had not done anything to disqualify himself from the role.

IANS Exclusive

Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif told IANS: "I think Hardik Pandya 'shayad captain banne chahiye the' (for Sri Lanka tour). Surya is also a good player, but I feel they should have backed Hardik. 'Hardik ne aisa koi galat kaam nhi kia k unko captaincy na… pic.twitter.com/3IS7m5aI0g

— IANS (@ians_india) July 19, 2024

"Mujhe lagta hai Hardik Pandya captain banne chahiye they. Hardik Pandya ne 2 saal Gujarat ki kaptaani kari hai, finals mein leke aaye hain. Ek baar jeete ek baar haare. Hardik vice-captain bhi they jab abhi World Cup hua, toh abhi naye coach aaye hain, nayi planning hogi, kya tareeka hai mujhe nahin maalum. Par Surya bhi kharaab kaam nahin kar rahe hain, player acche hain, T20I mein No.1 player hain aur acchi kaptaani karenge mujhe ummeed hai. Hardik Pandya ne aisa koi galat kaam nahin kiya jisse unhein kaptaani nahin mili."

Pandya has captained India in 16 T20Is, leading the team to victory in 11 of those matches. Suryakumar, on the other hand, has led the Men in Blue in 7 T20Is, emerging victorious in 5 of them.

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