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Tag: AJIT AGARKAR

Sports

‘You expect the captain to…’: Paras Mhambrey reveals how Suryakumar Yadav was first considered as T20I captain under Rahul Dravid | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Suryakumar Yadav has been named the new captain of India's T20I team, a decision that has sparked significant discussion following the announcement of squads for the first assignment under new head coach Gautam Gambhir. This change in leadership comes after cricket legends Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retired from T20Is. The decision was influenced by fitness concerns about the initially expected captain, Hardik Pandya.Gambhir’s tenure as head coach begins with a white-ball series against Sri Lanka, starting with a three-match T20I series from July 27.Initially, Hardik Pandya, who served as vice-captain to Rohit Sharma during India's T20 World Cup triumph, was seen as the likely choice for captaincy. However, doubts over Pandya's fitness led the team management to opt for Sur...
Politics

‘Say it without fear’: Srikkanth rejects Agarkar’s explanation for Pandya’s captaincy snub | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Former India opener Krishnamachari Srikkanth was displeased with the reasons given by India's chief selector Ajit Agarkar for not appointing Hardik Pandya as the T20I captain.According to Agarkar, the primary reason behind Pandya being overlooked for the captaincy role was the uncertainty surrounding his availability due to his history of injuries.Suryakumar Yadav was last week named Rohit Sharma's successor in the T20 format for India's white-ball tour of Sri Lanka, which begins on Saturday.Srikkanth launched a verbal assault on Agarkar in response to the chief selector's justification for Pandya's snub."I think they have gone from the feedback of the dressing room. It must have probably been from the IPL. Fitness is something that I will not agree. He played the entire IPL....
Sports

‘Just an excuse’: Ex-Pakistan captain rubbishes claims behind Hardik Pandya’s captaincy snub | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has argued that Hardik Pandya was relieved of his captaincy of India's T20I team due to his fitness issues. In a conversation with the Caught Behind YouTube channel, Latif dismissed these claims of Pandya's fitness issue as 'just an excuse'.The controversy emerged in the backdrop of the leadership debate after T20 World Cup-winning captain Rohit Sharma's retirement from the shortest format of the game.Pandya subsequently lost out on the T20I captaincy to Suryakumar Yadav as decided by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) during the squad announcement for the Sri Lanka tour.Latif argued that the rationale behind questioning Pandya's fitness as a factor for his non-selection as captain is flawed, pointing out that history has see...
Sports

Watch: The Surya-Hardik hug ensures ‘all is well’ after the T20I captaincy debate | Cricket News – Times of India

After the row around Mumbai Indians' captaincy, Hardik Pandya found himself in another battle for leadership when India's T20I captain was to be decided between him and Suryakumar Yadav. But this time the decision was not in Pandya's favour as the BCCI named Surya the T20I skipper while announcing the white-ball squads for the tour of Sri Lanka. The development made fans wonders how it would affect the relationship between Surya and Pandya, but a warm hug just before flying to Sri Lanka ensured that all is well between the two. In a video shared by the BCCI before India's departure, Pandya could be seen shaking hands with Surya, who got up from the chair and hugged Pandya. WATCH VIDEOAt the team's pre-departure press conference, the BCCI chief selector and former India pacer Ajit Agarka...
Sports

‘Amuses me that Hardik is termed an allrounder’: Former coach slams Hardik Pandya for skipping domestic cricket | Cricket News – Times of India

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 ...
Sports

MCA Elections: Ajinkya Naik becomes youngest president after beating Sanjay Naik 221-114 | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Ajinkya Naik beat Sanjay Naik by a significant margin of 107 votes to become the new president of the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) on Tuesday. Ajinkya, the former MCA secretary, secured a decisive victory with 221 votes against Sanjay's 114. The victory makes 37-year-old Ajinkya the youngest president in the history of the MCA, backed by veteran politician and former BCCI and ICC president Sharad Pawar.The election process began on July 4, following the untimely death of previous MCA president Amol Kale in New York. Kale had traveled with MCA officials to watch the T20 World Cup match between India and Pakistan when he passed away. "The victory is a testament to Amol Kale's exemplary achievement. My efforts will be to replicate his commitment and dedication to improving t...
Politics

Hardik Pandya Exchanges Heartwarming Hug With Fan Before Flying For Sri Lanka Tour- WATCH

Team India star all-rounder Hardik Pandya shared a heart-warming moment with a fan at the Mumbai airport on July 22 (Monday) before heading off for the white-ball series against Sri Lanka. Despite the T20 World Cup 2024 victory, Pandya has encountered tough times in both his personal and professional life. The Gujarat-born player was stripped of his vice-captaincy in both the ODI and T20I formats and also announced divorce from Natasa Stankovic. India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, will play three T20Is against Sri Lanka in the island nation and then Rohit Sharma will lead the Men in Blues in three ODIs. ALSO ON ABP Live | India vs Nepal Women's T20 Asia Cup 2024 Match Preview: Probable Playing 11s, Pitch & Weather Report, Head-To-Head Record In a video s...
Sports

Players won’t be able to pick and choose series under Gautam Gambhir and Ajit Agarkar | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Both the new head coach and the chairman of selectors appeared entirely in sync as they made it clear that the days of cherry-picking series by citing workload management could be over. Gautam Gambhir's plain-speak and Ajit Agarkar's lucidity are going to make for a heady combo.They clarified certain difficult decisions, but in other cases, they were vague enough to leave room for interpretations.Although neither Gambhir nor Agarkar are particularly large on the outside, anyone in the Indian cricket community will attest to the fact that these are two well-observed, intelligent people whose opinions don't easily shift.They appeared to be prepared to back up their words as they presented a united front at their first joint press appearance.Although Agarkar is officially starti...
Politics

‘Good For The TRP But.’: Gambhir Addresses Question On Relationship With Kohli

Gautam Gambhir addressed his first press conference since taking charge as the head coach of the Indian cricket team (ICT). Among several other questions, Gambhir was asked about his relationship with Virat Kohli with whom he had had a couple of on-field clashes during the Indian Premier League (IPL).  However, in his typical no-nonsense way, Gambhir brushed aside any concerns of a strained relationship between a coach and a captain within the Indian dressing room. He said: "Good for the TRP but my relationship is not public. What kind of a relationship do I share with Virat Kohli, I think it's between two mature individuals." READ HERE | Ravindra Jadeja Rested, Not Dropped For Sri Lanka ODIs: Report "On the field, I have said it many times before, every...
Sports

‘Betterment of Indian cricket is important, Gautam Gambhir is not important’ | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Gautam Gambhir addressed his first press conference as Team India alongwith chief selector Ajit Agarkar in Mumbai on Monday ahead of the Sri Lanka tour that starts on July 27.Known to be a team man to the core since his playing days, Gambhir laid importance on taking the team forward saying that he has inherited a very successful team.Putting aside all the limelight on him, Gambhir said, "Betterment of Indian cricket is important, Gautam Gambhir is not important".The 42-year-old Gambhir takes over from batting great Rahul Dravid, who finished his stint with the T20 World Cup title in Barbados last month.On the retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli after the T20 World Cup title triumph, Gambhir said, "Now that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will play only two formats, I ex...
Politics

‘I am taking over a very, very successful team’: Gautam Gambhir in his first press conference as Team India head coach | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Gautam Gambhir, the newly appointed head coach of Team India, held his inaugural press conference alongside chief selector Ajit Agarkar, discussing his vision and recent strategic decisions for Indian cricket. Gambhir emphasized prioritizing the progression of Indian cricket over his personal agenda, while Agarkar clarified leadership choices and player selections, such as appointing Suryakumar Yadav as T20I captain and resting Ravindra Jadeja for the Sri Lanka series.Gambhir underscored his commitment to Indian cricket, stressing the importance of the team's success over personal gains. He acknowledged the accomplishments of his predecessor, Rahul Dravid, and highlighted his intent to continue the team's legacy of achieving significant milestones."I am taking over a very, ve...
Sports

Hardik Pandya’s bowling fitness in ODIs under scanner | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: With only six ODIs to go before the ICC Champions Trophy next February, there are persisting doubts about Hardik Pandya's bowling fitness in the 50-over format. While Hardik had asked for a break from the three ODIs in Sri Lanka next month citing personal reasons, TOI has learnt that his fitness will be closely monitored over the next few months in domestic cricket.The next three ODIs that India play are against England in Jan preceding the Champions Trophy."While he has done exceptionally well bowling just four overs in T20 cricket after returning from his injury, Hardik hasn't been tested in longer formats. His endurance needs to be monitored. The selectors will keep a watch on how he goes in the Vijay Hazare Trophy at the end of the year," a BCCI source told TOI.Hardik, so...
Politics

India vs Sri Lanka: Why Suryakumar Yadav got Gautam Gambhir’s vote of confidence | Cricket News – Times of India

Hardik Pandya relieved of vice-captaincy; Rohit, Virat in for ODI series in Sri LankaNEW DELHI: The national selectors have opted for stability as they announced Suryakumar Yadav as T20I captain and handing over the vice-captaincy to Shubman Gill in both T20Is and ODIs for the white-ball tour of Sri Lanka later this month. Hardik Pandya was relieved of vice-captaincy in both formats.The selectors have also convinced Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who recently announced their retirements from T20I cricket, to travel to Sri Lanka for the three ODIs.The selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, has been firm on its stand of having a stable leadership for the white-ball teams. It was reported on Jul 17 that Agarkar and new head coach Gautam Gambhir had conveyed their thoughts to Hardik who w...
Politics

Gautam Gambhir and Rohit Sharma prefer Suryakumar Yadav for Team India’s T20I captaincy: Sources | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: With Team India planning their strategies after their T20 World Cup 2024 victory and skipper Rohit Sharma's retirement from T20Is, the discussion on the next captain is heating up.The two prominent candidates are Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav. However, recent reports indicate that Suryakumar may be preferred over Pandya. As per multiple reports, this preference arises mainly due to Pandya's inconsistent fitness record, which raises concerns about his suitability for long-term leadership.Sources reveal that both Gautam Gambhir, newly-appointed head coach, and T20 World Cup-winning captain Rohit Sharma favour Suryakumar for the captaincy role.It is also understood that Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar have already communicated this decision to Pandya.According to re...
Sports

Why Suryakumar Yadav is being preferred over Hardik Pandya as Team India T20I captain | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: After India secured the prestigious T20 World Cup 2024 trophy with a thrilling victory over South Africa in Barbados, batting stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma announced their retirements from T20I cricket. The focus now shifts to new head coach Gautam Gambhir, who aims to restructure the coaching staff and appoint a new captain for the team.Following Rohit Sharma's retirement from the shortest format, vice-captain Hardik Pandya was initially seen as the natural successor to the 37-year-old World Cup-winning skipper. However, Suryakumar Yadav, known as "Mr. 360 degrees," has emerged as a surprise contender for the vacant T20I captaincy.Pandya, who played a crucial role in India's T20 World Cup triumph by bowling the decisive final over, will miss the upcoming three-match...
Sports

Suryakumar Yadav set to pip Hardik Pandya, emerges as dark horse for India’s T20I captaincy | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Suryakumar Yadav, the dynamic batsman, has unexpectedly emerged as a strong contender to lead India's T20 team until the 2026 World Cup, potentially surpassing Hardik Pandya, who was previously considered the natural choice for the position.Despite Pandya's availability for the upcoming T20I series against Sri Lanka, it has come to light that Suryakumar, who led India in eight T20Is against Australia and South Africa in the previous year, is the favoured choice of the newly appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir and the chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar.It is understood that Gambhir and Agarkar had a discussion with Pandya earlier in the evening, explaining the decision to finalise a long-term option to ensure stability within the team.The T20 captaincy position became availabl...