The 5-match T20 series between India and England is going to start from January 22. In this series, the command of Team India is in the hands of Suryakumar Yadav and Akshar Patel has been made the vice-captain. Let us tell you that Hardik Pandya is also a part of this team, but he has not been given any responsibility. Hardik Pandya was captaining the Indian T20 team since the 2022 T20 World Cup. But after Rohit Sharma's retirement from T20I, Suryakumar has been made the captain. Hardik was a strong contender for becoming the captain of T20 for some time, but now he is not even the vice-captain, on which many veterans have raised questions. However, now Suryakumar Yadav has also given a big statement on this issue.

Surya's big statement on Hardik Pandya

Let us tell you that for some time, Hardik Pandya was handling the responsibility of captain of T20 as well as vice-captain in ODI. Hardik Pandya was also the vice-captain of the Indian team in the ODI World Cup 2023. But for the Champions Trophy, Shubman Gill has been made the deputy of Rohit Sharma. After which questions are being raised whether Hardik Pandya is no longer a part of the leadership group of the Indian team? However, Suryakumar Yadav has made it clear that Hardik Pandya is still a part of the leadership group of the Indian team.

Suryakumar Yadav said in the press conference before the start of the T20 series against England, 'My relations with Hardik are really very good. It's just extra responsibility that I've got. Hardik is part of the leadership group and we are good friends. Many people believe that the management is no longer considering Hardik Pandya as the captain, but Surya has put an end to these rumours.

Pandya's statistics as captain

Hardik Pandya has taken command of the Indian team in 16 T20 matches so far. During this period, India has won 11 matches and has faced defeat in five. But Rohit made a comeback in the Indian T20 team before the 2024 T20 World Cup. Then Hardik was relieved of this responsibility. Since then, Hardik Pandya has not got the responsibility of captaincy.