Team India were on the lookout for a new captain in the T20 format after stalwarts Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja bowed out of the format after lifting the T20 World Cup 2024.
As the BCCI chose the successor for the new dawn in Indian cricket, two names that were being mentioned in the offing, are of Suryakumar Yadav, and Hardik Pandya.
Hardik Pandya has been the more experienced captain and even made his India debut before SKY. However, the Mumbai-born cricketer tips Pandya in age, being a seasoned campaigner rising through the ranks. Pandya has captained India on 16 occasions, compared to SKY's seven.
MORE: SKY or Pandya: Who will be India's next captain?
The Baroda-born all-rounder is also the full-time captain in the Indian Premier League (IPL), having led Gujarat Titans to glory in 2022. Pandya has captained 31 times in the IPL, while Surya has led Mumbai Indians on a solitary occasion, in IPL 2023.
However, things are a bit different when it comes to Team India. Here is why Suryakumar Yadav is considered the frontrunner for India's T20 captaincy role, ahead of his Mumbai Indians (MI) skipper, Hardik Pandya.
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Why is Suryakumar Yadav preferred over Hardik Pandya for India's T20I captaincy?
It is revealed that Hardik Pandya is down in the pecking order, in terms of Gautam Gambhir's captaincy choice. Gambhir took over the reins of the Indian team on the condition that his choices will be made, with regards to the players and combinations.
As per YouTube Sports Yaari, Gambhir has preferred Yadav over Pandya as India's next T20 skipper. The 'Alpha-Male' dominating personality of Pandya is cited as a major reason against him. On the other hand. Surya's attitude in giving into Gambhir's decisions could very well play into his hands.
Gautam Gambhir wants SKY to become India's captain in T20I cricket. Gambhir does not want to deal with any 'Alpha Male' personality like that of Hardik Pandya. He wants a 'Yes Man'. Gambhir does not want a skipper who would overpower his personality on him. It is also reported that Ajit Agarkar has given in into Gambhir's demand, in this case, Yaari Sports spokesperson stated.
This may not look straightforward, you know. Is this a masterstroke from Rohit Sharma's end? Only time will tell, the hosts at Yaari Sports revealed.
Gautam Gambhir wants Suryakumar Yadav to become T20 captain#GautamGambhir #suryakumaryadav pic.twitter.com/zdRbZ2FqRT
— Sports Yaari (@YaariSports) July 17, 2024
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