Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya remains the center of criticism. After much debate over his place in the Indian team for the 2024 T20 World Cup, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) selection committee awarded him a role in the 15-man squad for the showpiece event, despite poor form in IPL. 2024. Hardik was even named vice-captain of the team, a decision that did not go down well with former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan. Targeting a fresh attack on Hardik, Irfan questioned the BCCI about the exceptions made by the board for the Mumbai Indians captain.
Irfan even pointed out the Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan scenario where the duo was forced out of the Indian team until they proved themselves in domestic cricket. However, no such measure was opted for Hardik, who also stayed away from domestic cricket before returning to the Indian team.
“Previously, Hardik Pandya had the captaincy but Rohit Sharma took over for T20 matches. After the T20 World Cup, there was a new plan; they were targeting a younger team with Pandya and Surya as potential captains. Still, questions arise over Pandya's performance consistency and dedication to Indian cricket.
“Regular participation in domestic cricket is essential for serving Indian cricket throughout the year. Injuries are inevitable, but good planning with consistent match play, including domestic cricket, is vital to a player's return. But then there is a player who returns from injury without meeting the same requirements,” Pathan told Star Sports.
“That shouldn't happen because it sends the wrong message to the rest of the team. If they see a player getting special treatment, it disrupts the team environment. Cricket is not like tennis; it is a team sport where equality is essential. Every player should be treated fairly and equally. Regardless of whether you are a newcomer or a seasoned player like Rohit Sharma or Virat Kohli, cricket is primarily a team sport I have seen things in the past, especially during the T20 World Cup last year went against the principles of Indian cricket with certain players being given unnecessary advantage, which is unacceptable,” the former India all-rounder, who works as a commentator in the IPL, added.
Irfan also questioned the BCCI's decision to award Hardik the vice-captain of the team, suggesting that Jasprit Bumrah would have been a better option for the role.
“To succeed in tournaments like the World Cup, it is imperative that every player is treated fairly and equally. So coming back to your question about Hardik Pandya as vice-captain, I understand the rationale behind it because of the importance of continuity. But given the current performance, it may be understandable that the selectors opt for continuity. Still, I think someone like Bumrah wouldn't have been a bad choice either,” Pathan concludes.
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