Sanjay Bangar Highlights 'Injustice' Towards Hardik Pandya Over T20I Captaincy Shift to Suryakumar Yadav

Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Bangar believes choosing Suryakumar Yadav over Hardik Pandya as T20I captain for India's Sri Lanka tour is an 'injustice.' Despite Pandya's strong performance and previous leadership, Yadav was named captain. The tour, starting July 27, will feature a series of T20I and ODI matches.

Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Bangar has raised concerns about the decision to appoint Suryakumar Yadav as the captain of India's T20I team for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka, starting on July 27. Bangar believes this move is a 'little injustice' to all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who had been leading the T20I side post the ICC T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia.

Pandya, who captained India in 16 T20I matches, achieving a win percentage of 62.50, has been removed from his leadership roles. His notable performances at the T20 World Cup included scoring 144 runs at an average of 48.00 and taking 11 wickets with an economy rate of 7.64. However, Suryakumar's recent stint as India's captain in two series after the 50-over World Cup 2023 loss appears to have tipped the balance in his favor.

Speaking on Star Sports' 'Follow the Blues,' Bangar emphasized that Yadav's extensive domestic cricket experience and leadership potential justify his captaincy. Yet, he maintains that Pandya's exclusion is surprising. India's tour of Sri Lanka features a three-match T20I series followed by a three-match ODI series, beginning at the Pallekele International Stadium and R Premadasa respectively.

(With inputs from agencies.)