Former India cricketer Sanjay Bangar has expressed concern over Hardik Pandya’s unexpected removal from leadership roles following the BCCI’s announcement of the squad for the Sri Lanka tour. The selectors have appointed Shubman Gill as the new vice-captain for both white-ball formats and Suryakumar Yadav as the new T20I captain.

The decision was surprising to many, as Pandya was anticipated to assume leadership duties after Rohit Sharma’s retirement, having led the team in his absence since 2022. Bangar commented that he would have expected Pandya to be named captain for the T20 World Cup had he not been sidelined by injury during the ODI World Cup.

“I’m somewhat surprised that Hardik isn’t the T20 captain. Before the last T20 World Cup, it seemed likely that if Rohit hadn’t taken over as captain and Hardik hadn’t been injured, Hardik would have been appointed as the captain,” Bangar said on Star Sports.

Bangar further described the decision as a troubling step backward for the team.”The Indian team was moving in a certain direction, and the selectors appeared to be aligned with that path. This sudden change feels somewhat concerning. It’s known that the chairman of the selection committee and the coach have spoken with Hardik Pandya,” he added.Pandya first captained India in June 2022 during the tour to Ireland and continued to lead the team in T20s after their exit from the T20 World Cup 2022. However, his injury in the ODI World Cup impacted his leadership role.

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Pandya’s stellar performance in the T20 World Cup 2024

Pandya made a remarkable return in the T20 World Cup 2024, playing a crucial role in India’s triumphant campaign with both bat and ball. He amassed 144 runs from six innings at an average of 48 and a strike rate of 151.57, including one half-century. His highest score came against Bangladesh in the Super 8 stage, where he remained unbeaten on 50* off 27 balls.With the ball, the right-arm seamer claimed 11 wickets in eight innings at an average of 17.36 and an economy rate of 7.64.

His standout bowling performance came in the final, where he took 3/20 in three overs, dismissing Heinrich Klaasen (52 off 27) and David Miller (21 off 17).In the final over, Pandya successfully defended 16 runs, removing Miller on the very first ball with a spectacular catch by Suryakumar Yadav, securing a seven-run victory for India.