Ajit Agarkar says there was no discussion over whether Hardik Pandya should be the vice-captain and added the allrounder’s fitness is critical to the team.
Hardik Pandya has been off-colour in the ongoing IPL 2024 where he’s captaining Mumbai Indians. While with the bat, he has managed 197 runs at a strike-rate of 150.38, it’s his performance with the ball which has been concerning.
So far, from 10 matches, the right-arm pacer has taken six wickets at an average of 42.16 and with an economy of 11. His form with the ball will be criticial to India’s hopes of winning the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup slated to be co-hosted by the USA and West Indies.
Pandya has found a place in India’s 15-man squad for the T20 showpiece and will also serve as a deputy to Rohit Sharma who will be captaining the team.
Addressing a press conference in Mumbai, chief of selector Ajit Agarkar has defended the decision to pick Pandya for the global event.
Agarkar claimed that currently, the skillset Pandya brings to the table is rare.
“Nothing was discussed on vice-captaincy,” Agarkar said. “He (Pandya) has got through all games so far for Mumbai Indians. We have month and a little bit for our first game. As long as he is fit, there is no replacement for what he can do.”
The ongoing IPL 2024 is Pandya’s first major competitive tournament since he hurt his ankle during an ODI World Cup match against Bangladesh last year.
“He’s (Pandya) coming after a longish layoff. We are hoping he’s working on it. Especially the way he bowls, he’ll give (captain) Rohit a lot of balance and options,” Agarkar said.
Agarkar also explained why KL Rahul missed out on a spot in the world cup squiad.
“KL’s a terrific player, we all know that. The thing is we were looking for is guys who bat at the middle and KL bats at the top. We feel Sanju has the ability to come down the order. Rishabh is batting at 5, that was more the thinking. Two incredible players as well,” Agarkar said.
