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'Surprised, Disappointed' - Harbhajan Singh On SKY Ahead Of Hardik Pandya As T20I Captain

Hardik Pandya ignored as BCCI appoint Suryakumar Yadav as T20I captain (@vishdoshi1/X.com)Hardik Pandya ignored as BCCI appoint Suryakumar Yadav as T20I captain (@vishdoshi1/X.com)

Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh expressed his surprise and disappointment over the BCCI's decision to overlook Hardik Pandya for the T20I captaincy role. Hardik, who was expected to succeed Rohit Sharma as captain following the latter's retirement from the format, was shockingly replaced by Suryakumar Yadav.

Hardik Pandya, India's most prolific all-rounder, had a successful campaign as captain Rohit Sharma's deputy in the 2024 T20 World Cup. He bowled the final over against South Africa in the finals to defend 16 runs and steer his team to glory.

However, as Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from the T20I format, vice-captain Hardik Pandya was expected to succeed him before BCCI snubbed him to appoint Suryakumar Yadav into a full-time captaincy role.

Harbhajan Singh sees Hardik Pandya as captaincy material for India

Meanwhile, Harbhajan Singh, during an interaction with Sports Yaari, voiced his concerns, stating that it wasn't fair to sideline Hardik. 

"I was (surprised). Upto some extent, I was (disappointed). He was your vice-captain...when Rohit Sharma is not the captain, your vice-captain becomes the captain. But if you tell him on fitness ground that you will not be the captain - there's no T20I cricket round the year," Harbhajan said.

Harbhajan further noted that losing the captaincy would be a major setback for Hardik, especially after his success in leading India to the T20 World Cup victory earlier in the year. 

"He came after winning the T20 World Cup and suddenly, it's a big setback for him. It's not right. I have great respect for Suryakumar Yadav. Phenomenal player, great guy...very selfless. Even he wouldn't have though that this would happen," he added.

While praising Suryakumar Yadav, Harbhajan believed even Yadav would not have expected such a turn of events.

Morne Morkel unhappy with Hardik Pandya's bowling standards

Ahead of the T20I series against Bangladesh, Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya hit the nets to bowl for the first time under bowling coach Morne Morkel's supervision. 

Rumours suggest that the coach wasn't satisfied with Pandya's release point and line lengths. He apparently suggested some changes, which Pandya is believed to have accepted positively.