Controversy Surrounding Hardik Pandya’s Appointment as Team India’s Vice-Captain for T20 World Cup

Despite his lacklustre performance in the ongoing IPL 2024, all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been appointed as Team India’s vice-captain for the upcoming T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the United States. The decision has sparked controversy and raised questions about Pandya’s suitability for the leadership role.

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan expressed his belief that premier pacer Jasprit Bumrah would have been a more appropriate choice for the vice-captaincy. Pathan highlighted concerns about the clarity of planning in the selection process, citing decisions like excluding Rinku Singh from the squad despite earlier inclusion plans.

Pathan emphasized the importance of clarity in planning and the need for consistency in leadership. He noted the shift in strategy from avoiding senior players to including them for their experience, with Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav being seen as potential captains post the T20 World Cup.

Pandya’s performance in the IPL has been underwhelming, with only 197 runs and six wickets in 10 games for Mumbai Indians, who are currently in ninth place. His appointment as captain of the franchise led to booing from fans in the early matches, following Rohit Sharma’s successful tenure as captain with five titles.

Pathan stressed the importance of regular participation in domestic cricket for players, highlighting the need for proper planning and consistent match play. He emphasized the principles of fairness and equality in team sports like cricket, stating that every player should be treated fairly and equally, regardless of their status.

As India prepares for the T20 World Cup, the decision to appoint Pandya as vice-captain has raised doubts and sparked debate among fans and experts. The team’s performance in the upcoming tournament will be closely scrutinized, with the spotlight on Pandya’s leadership and performance on the field.