Srikkanth Endorses Suryakumar Yadav as New T20I Captain for India

Former cricketer Kris Srikkanth lauds Suryakumar Yadav's capabilities to lead India in T20Is. Despite strong performances, Hardik Pandya has been removed from the captaincy role. The decision, according to chief selector Ajit Agarkar, was influenced by Pandya's fitness concerns.

Former Indian cricketer Kris Srikkanth heaped praise on Suryakumar Yadav, endorsing his qualities to lead the national T20I team. Suryakumar has been named the captain for India's upcoming tour of Sri Lanka, with Shubman Gill as vice-captain for both T20I and ODI squads.

Srikkanth expressed his confidence in Suryakumar on his YouTube channel, highlighting that he can excel as a captain in the series against Sri Lanka. He also questioned the rationale behind removing Hardik Pandya from the leadership, despite his commendable performance in the T20 World Cup 2022.

Pandya had led India in 16 T20Is, clinching 10 wins. However, he was dropped from the leadership role due to fitness concerns cited by chief selector Ajit Agarkar. Suryakumar's recent leadership stint included winning a series against Australia and drawing one with South Africa.

Srikkanth disagreed with Agarkar's reasoning, emphasizing Pandya's fitness and abilities demonstrated during IPL and World Cup outings. He pointed out Pandya's all-round contribution in recent matches. The tour of Sri Lanka, starting July 27, will see India playing three T20Is followed by an ODI series commencing on August 2.

The matches are scheduled at the Pallekele International Stadium for T20Is and R Premadasa for ODIs. The T20I squad includes names like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rinku Singh, and Rishabh Pant, while the ODI squad features stalwarts like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.

(With inputs from agencies.)