‘Sends the wrong message to the rest of the team’ – Irfan Pathan opines as Hardik Pandya named vice-captain for T20 World Cup

Irfan and Hardik ( Photo source X / Twitter )

Hardik Pandya has been under the scanner for his captaincy stint with Mumbai Indians in the India Premier League 2024. MI have shown dismal performance in the cash-rich league and are among those teams at the bottom of the points table. Amidst all this, Pandya has been named as the Vice-Captain of the Indian team for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. Former Indian pacer, Irfan Pathan has dissected this decision by the management.

The all-rounder led Gujarat Titans to the IPL 2022 championship tile on his debut as captain. GT reached the finals of IPL 2023 under his leadership. But he has failed to replicate the same magic with MI this season. Pathan came hard at Pandya for his lack of consistency and preparation leading up to big events. He also highlighted Pandya getting special treatment from the management and how it affects the team environment.

“Following the T20 World Cup, there was a shift in strategy from avoiding senior players to including them for their experience. Clarity in planning is crucial, and teams usually adhere to a clear direction. Previously, Hardik Pandya held the captaincy, but Rohit Sharma took over for T20 matches. Post T20 World Cup, there was a new plan; they aimed for a younger team with Pandya and Surya as potential captains. Yet, questions arise regarding Pandya’s performance consistency and commitment to Indian cricket,” said Pathan on Star Sports Press Room Show, Ticket to World Cup.

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“Regular participation in domestic cricket is essential for serving Indian cricket throughout the year. Injuries are inevitable, but proper planning involving consistent match play, including domestic cricket, is vital for a player’s return. But then there’s this one player who returns from injury without fulfilling the same requirements. That shouldn’t happen because it sends the wrong message to the rest of the team. When they see one player receiving special treatment, it disrupts the team environment,” he added.

Someone like Bumrah wouldn’t have been a bad choice: Pathan

MI were reprimanded online for the special treatment Pandya received. More than anything reports had suggested that there was a demand for captaincy mantle from the batter. Indian team management has also dealt with a fair share of criticism. Jasprit Bumrah was made captain straightaway when he was back from injury. The team saw several skippers leading at different points in time. Pathan asserted that the culture of favouritism should cede to egalitarianism.

“Cricket isn’t like tennis; it’s a team sport where equality is vital. Every player should be treated fairly and equally. Regardless of whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned player like Rohit Sharma or Virat Kohli, cricket is a team sport first and foremost. I’ve witnessed things in the past, particularly during the T20 World Cup last year, that went against the principles of Indian cricket—instances where certain players were given undue advantage, which is unacceptable,” Pathan continued.

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“To succeed in tournaments like the World Cup, it’s imperative that every player is treated fairly and equally. So, now, coming back to your question about Hardik Pandya being vice-captain, I understand the rationale behind it due to the importance of continuity in leadership. However, considering the current performance, the selectors opting for continuity may be understandable. Yet, I believe someone like Bumrah wouldn’t have been a bad choice either,” he concluded.