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'I Don't Think...': Former Chief Selector On Why Hardik Pandya Is India's Vice Captain For T20 WC

Hardik Pandya will be the vice-captain for Team India (AP Photo) Hardik Pandya will be the vice-captain for Team India (AP Photo)

Recently, India announced their 15-man squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. The Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee made several inclusions and exclusions in the team, some of these decisions were met with heavy criticisms like the exclusion of Shubman Gill and Rinku Singh whereas the others including Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube's entry in the squad resulted in joyous celebrations. Adding to these was the 'big' question- Why is Hardik Pandya the Vice Captain for the T20 WC?

Former BCCI Chairman of Selectors, MSK Prasad, jumped on the wagon but in support of Pandya. He explained that after India's exit at the 2022 T20 World Cup, Hardik Pandya took over the captaincy for the remainder of the year in the absence of Rohit Sharma. 

Hence, this wasn't a decision made in haste as it was a long-standing decision and now that KL Rahul is not in the squad it was but obvious that the vice-captaincy baton will be passed on to Pandya.


Here's what he said:

"I don't think there is a second thought on Hardik's inclusion and also being made the vice-captain of the side. He was given the mantle of captaincy when Rohit was not there. So that clearly indicated that he was next in line for leadership. The selectors made the right decision by picking him. Tell me, who in the country now is a better fast bowling all-rounder than Hardik?"


"Yes, he has been struggling with his form in recent times. But let us be fair as well; there is so much that has happened. Change of leadership in Mumbai, unfortunately, has affected his form as well. But once he puts on the Indian jersey, he can leave his IPL form behind. And once again, I repeat that Hardik Pandya is the best fast bowling all-rounder in the country now no matter what the pundits say." 

In the ongoing IPL 2024 season, Hardik Pandya has had a tough deck of cards to deal with as if receiving criticisms and bashing for becoming Mumbai Indians' new captain wasn't sufficient, he hasn't been too lucky with either the bat or the ball. 

He has managed to score 197 runs and scalp just six wickets till now. However, Prasad feels confident that once Pandya wears the blue jersey he will able to shut all the outside noise and turn the tide around. He further added:

"I think Hardik will come out of it. I am sure both will give their best. Once they are in the Indian team, their roles will change as well. In Mumbai Indians, Hardik is struggling because of a role clarity. At Gujarat Titans, he was very comfortable with the role he was assigned but suddenly in Mumbai Indians where they have so many super-stars, he is struggling to find a perfect batting order for himself. There seems to be no clarity in his role. He will not have to worry about that in the Indian team." 

Hardik Pandya will return to the international scene after eight months, ever since his heart-breaking ankle injury in the ODI World Cup 2023.