"He is playing only one format, he doesn't even play the 50-over format that much" - Ashish Nehra on Hardik Pandya being ignored for T20I captaincy

Former Indian pacer Ashish Nehra was not surprised by the management's decision to ignore Hardik Pandya for the T20I captaincy, considering the latter's inability to play all formats regularly. The 30-year-old captained India during regular skipper Rohit Sharma's absence in T20Is last year until an injury forced Suryakumar Yadav to take over.

Pandya was also deputy to Rohit during India's triumph in the recently concluded T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the USA. Yet, newly appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar decided to hand over the T20I reigns to Suryakumar Yadav moving forward.

Suryakumar was appointed the T20I skipper, with Pandya in the squad for the upcoming Sri Lankan white-ball tour.

In an interview with Sports Tak, Nehra said of Hardik Pandya's T20I captaincy snub:

"Ajit Agarkar, Gautam Gambhir said a couple of days ago, if I am not mistaken talked about fitness. He is not playing all formats, I mean, he is playing only one format, he doesn't even play the 50-over format that much. So it is difficult for Hardik Pandya or any coach or captain. I will just say that the thoughts are different."

He added:

"It's not surprising that when it comes to cricket, these things happen. It's a bit surprising that Hardik Pandya, as you said, he was the vice-captain in the World Cup. But at the same time, a new coach has come. A new thought has come. So every coach, each captain has a different thought. So at this time, their thought is on that side."

Hardik boasts an excellent record as T20I captain, winning 10 out of 16 games. The three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka begins in Pallekele on Saturday, July 27.

"He brings a different balance because there is no impact player rule" - Ashish Nehra

Hardik starred in India's triumph in the 2024 T20 World Cup

Despite Hardik's snub as T20I skipper, Ashish Nehra emphasized the importance of the all-rounder in the Indian setup.

Hardik enjoyed a terrific 2024 T20 World Cup campaign, averaging 48 at a strike rate of 151.57 with the bat and picking up 11 wickets at an average of 17.36 with the ball.

"Hardik Pandya is a very important player for Indian cricket. Whether he plays twice or not, he is the fourth fast bowler. He brings a different balance because there is no impact player rule," said Nehra.

The all-rounder was pivotal in India's victory over South Africa in the T20 World Cup final with figures of 3/20 in three overs.

Hardik also bowled the final over of the contest, with the Proteas needing 16 to win and conceded only eight runs.