Irfan Pathan suggests Jasprit Bumrah as India’s vice-captain for T20 World Cup

Former India seamer Irfan Pathan has raised eyebrows by suggesting that Jasprit Bumrah would have been a better choice for India’s vice-captain role at the upcoming T20 World Cup, instead of Hardik Pandya. Pathan, speaking to Star Sports, criticized the decision to appoint Pandya as Rohit Sharma’s chief deputy, questioning his performance, consistency, and commitment to Indian cricket.

Pathan, a former T20 World Cup winner with India, highlighted the importance of regular participation in domestic cricket for players to serve Indian cricket effectively. He expressed concerns about special treatment given to certain players, disrupting the team environment and going against the principles of equality in a team sport like cricket.

The 39-year-old also criticized the lack of clarity in planning evident in recent selection decisions, such as excluding Rinku Singh from the squad despite earlier inclusion plans. Pathan emphasized the need for teams to adhere to a clear direction and ensure fairness and equality for all players, regardless of their experience or reputation.

With Hardik Pandya facing criticism for his performance as the new Mumbai Indians captain in the ongoing IPL season, Pathan’s comments have sparked a debate about leadership dynamics in the Indian cricket team. As the T20 World Cup approaches, the selectors will have to consider all factors carefully to ensure the team’s success on the global stage.