Kris Srikkanth Hits Out at Team Management Over Hardik Pandya’s Captaincy Removal

July 24, 2024 0 707

Kris Srikkanth criticized the BCCI for removing Hardik Pandya as T20I captain, arguing that fitness issues shouldn’t have been a factor, especially since Hardik performed well in the T20 World Cup.

Former India cricketer Kris Srikkanth criticized the BCCI’s decision to replace Hardik Pandya with Suryakumar Yadav as captain for the upcoming T20I series against Sri Lanka. Srikkanth disputes the BCCI’s claim that fitness issues were a major factor in the decision.

Chief selector Ajit Agarkar and new head coach Gautam Gambhir also cited fitness concerns as a key reason for Pandya’s removal, despite his role as vice-captain during the T20 World Cup 2024. Srikkanth argued that Pandya’s performance during the IPL and his successful stint as vice-captain at the World Cup should have been considered, rather than focusing on his fitness, which he believes is not a valid reason for the change.

“I think they have gone from the feedback of the dressing room. It must have probably been from the IPL. Fitness is something that I will not agree. He played the entire IPL. He also bowled. Yes, he might not have done well (in the IPL). That’s another issue. Mumbai Indians didn’t qualify. At the World Cup, he was the vice-captain and he played well. So, fitness is something that I won’t agree with,” Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel.

While acknowledging Suryakumar’s potential as a leader, the former cricketer believes the BCCI should be more transparent about their decision. He emphasized the importance of providing a straightforward rationale rather than vague reasoning when making such significant changes.

“Feedback from the dressing room? I am not able to understand that. Yes, Suryakumar has the qualities to be captain. I agree to that. He could prove to be a very good captain. But the reasons for dropping Hardik Pandya as captain are beating around the bush in terms of the reasoning. Suryakumar is a fantastic person. I like him. So is Hardik. But the reasons that they are giving, they could have said it in a straightforward manner ‘we are dropping Hardik Pandya as captain, we want to move forward. We are looking at Suryakumar as a long term’. Make it clear. Say it without fear,” Srikkanth said.

“I have also been chairman. I have picked players, dropped players and faced a lot of criticism. I am not saying I was God, I have also made mistakes. But you have to give a good explanation. I am not convinced by the reasoning,” he concluded.