We wanted a captain who is likely to play all the games - Ajit Agarkar on Suryakumar Yadav

As India gears up for the upcoming challenge against Sri Lanka, there were a few significant changes to the squad which raised quite a hue and cry. The decision to remove Hardik Pandya as the vice-captain of the side after being the Most Valuable Player of the T20 World Cup was especially baffling. Talking in a press meet, Ajit Agarkar cleared the air around the removal of Pandya from the role while appointing Suryakumar Yadav as the captain of the T20Is.

Talking at the press-meet, India’s chief selector, Agarkar said, “Regarding Hardik, he's still a very important player for us. Fitness has obviously been a challenge for him... Then it becomes difficult for the coach or selectors. Fitness is a clear challenge and we want someone who is available more often than not.”

He further added, “Having said that, we believe Surya has the qualities necessary to be a captain. We also feel we can manage Hardik better, we've seen what he can do with the bat and ball in the World Cup... We speak to every player, whether their role has changed. And yeah we've spoken to him.”

Emphasizing further, Agarkar said, “He is one of the deserving candidates. He is one of the best T20 batters in the world. We feel that Surya has all the necessary qualities to be a good captain. We wanted a captain, who is likely to play all the games. Surya has the necessary ability to lead the team. We wanted a captain who is around. We will see how he will do in two years time.”