NEW DELHI: India allrounder Hardik Pandya is currently navigating challenges in both his personal and professional life. Recently, Pandya announced his separation from wife Natasa Stankovic on social media. Additionally, in a surprising turn of events, Suryakumar Yadav has been named captain for the upcoming T20I series against Sri Lanka, a role Pandya previously held. This decision was made by chief selector Ajit Agarkar and new head coach Gautam Gambhir, who cited concerns about Hardik's fitness and expressed the need for a long-term captain.
In an unexpected move, Pandya will represent his home team Baroda in the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy. The allrounder last played for Baroda in 2018.
With the ICC Champions Trophy scheduled for next year, the BCCI has decided to monitor his fitness in the ODI format through this domestic tournament.
Former Baroda coach Dav Whatmore criticized Pandya for not prioritising his state team in the past, noting that Pandya last played a first-class match for Baroda in 2018 against Mumbai.
"There are still some individuals who don't play white-ball cricket. For example, during my last few years in Baroda, Hardik Pandya wouldn't ever play white-ball cricket. It always amuses me that he's termed an allrounder from Baroda but hasn't played for Baroda in years! So, yes, there are some who don't do that," Whatmore said on Pak Passion's YouTube channel.
"But recently, I've seen that the BCCI is keen for players to participate in the Ranji Trophy as well as other formats to ensure they view cricket as a sport. Efforts are being made to ensure four-day cricket is not neglected," Whatmore added.
Pandya, who bowled the crucial last over in India's 2024 T20 World Cup triumph in Barbados, is part of the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka.
The first T20I between India and Sri Lanka will be played in Pallekele on Saturday.
