Irfan Pathan expresses concern over Hardik Pandya’s appointment as India’s vice-captain in 2024 T20 World Cup

Hardik Pandya leadership when he was the captain of Mumbai Indians (MI) of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 is being looked forward to due to the team’s disappointing performance which placed the team in 9th place in the points table. Additionally, Pandya has struggled with his batting and bowling style. Despite these challenges, Pandya was appointed as the vice-captain of the team Indian this group T20 World Cup 2024. This decision was not happy Irfan Pathancausing him to express disagreement with this.

Irfan Pathan questions the decision to appoint Hardik Pandya as vice-captain

During an interview with Star Sports, Irfan expressed his views on appointing Pandya as the vice-captain of the Indian team, stressing that although the BCCI has chosen a new strategy to work with young players and captains, it still raises questions about Pandya’s performance in the team. He also raised doubts about Pandya’s commitment to cricket.

“After the T20 World Cup matches, there was a change in the strategy of avoiding senior players and replacing them because of their experience. Clarity in planning is important, and groups often follow a clear direction. Earlier, Hardik Pandya was in charge of the captaincy, but Rohit Sharma took over in T20 matches. After the T20 World Cup, there was a new plan; they were targeting a small team with Pandya and Surya as potential captains. However, questions are raised about Pandya’s consistency and commitment to Indian cricket,” Irfan said on Star Sports.

Speaking further on the issue, Irfan highlighted that although injuries are inevitable, proper planning, including playing the same game, like in domestic cricket, is essential for a player to come back. He expressed concern about Pandya’s return from injury without meeting the same requirements, saying it was sending the wrong message to the team. According to him, if other players see one person getting special treatment, that can affect the team’s situation.

“Regular participation in domestic cricket is important to serve Indian cricket throughout the year. Injuries are inevitable, but proper planning involving consistent play, including domestic cricket, is essential for a player’s return. But then there is this one player coming back from injury without meeting the same requirements. That should not happen because it sends the wrong message to the whole team. If they see one player being treated in a special way, it affects the mood of the team,” Irfan added.

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Irfan names Jasprit Bumrah as a possible option for vice-captain

The former Indian cricketer emphasized the need for equal treatment of all players if the BCCI wants to see the team succeed in tournaments like the T20 World Cup. Talking about the current performance of the cricketers, Pathan revealed that Jasprit Bumrah’s photo recent form could have qualified him for the position of vice-captain in the Indian team.

“In order to be successful in competitions like the World Cup, it is imperative that every player is treated fairly and equally. So, now, coming back to your question about Hardik Pandya as vice-captain, I understand the reason for that because of the importance of continuity in leadership. However, considering the current performance, voters who prefer to continue may understand. However, I believe that someone like Bumrah would not be a bad decision,” said the 39-year-old suspect.

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