Ajit Agarkar, along with newly appointed coach Gautam Gambhir, addressed the press conference ahead of India’s tour of Sri Lanka, where the team will play three T20 internationals and as many ODIs against the hosts starting July 27. While talking about giving a chance to Suryakumar Yadav instead of Hardik Pandya to captain the T20 team in Sri Lanka, chief selector AjitAgarkar said on Monday that fitness, feedback from the dressing room, and consistent availability swung the pendulum in the favor of Suryakumar Yadav when it was decided to appoint him captain of the Indian T20 team ahead of Hardik Pandya.
During the joint press conference, Ajit said, “Fitness was a clear challenge, and we wanted someone who was likely to be available more often. He is one of the best T20 batters, and as captain, he is likely to play all the games. We think he is a deserving captain, and we will see how he fits into the role.”
While talking about the star all-rounder Pandya, Agarkar said, “Hardik’s skill sets are difficult to find, and fitness is difficult to find. We have a bit more time, and we can look at a few things.
He further added, “We have taken general feedback from the dressing room also.”
Rohit Sharma, who retired from T20 internationals after leading India to the World Cup triumph in the West Indies last month, will return as the skipper of the one-day international team.
While talking about Rohit and Virat, GautamGambhir said, Both ViratKohli and Rohit Sharma have lots of cricket left. They are world-class. Any team would have both of them. There is the Champions Trophy, the Australia series, and if fitness goes well, the 2027 World Cup.
Gambhir also said, “My relationship with ViratKohli is between the two of us and not for TRP.”
In the context of Kohli, Gambhir added, “We have had lots of discussions, and everyone has the right to fight for their jersey.”
Also, according to Gautam, JaspritBumrah’s workload management has become increasingly important following the retirement of senior players Rohit Sharma and Kohli from T20 Internationals.