'There has been no talks about the vice captaincy' - Ajit Agarkar clears air on Hardik Pandya's appointment as deputy for T20 World Cup

India captain Rohit Sharma and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) chief selector, Ajit Agarkar addressed the press conference on Thursday, May 2. The presser was in light with the Indian team which was announced on April 30 for the impending T20 World Cup 2024. Among the minimal tweaks in the pre-empted squad, Hardik Pandya’s appointment as vice-captain was the newsmonger throughout the mass media forums. 

For the unversed, Pandya was previously named as the vice-captain of the Indian team during the World Cup 2023. Speculations arose after the all-rounder's dismal showings as captain and batter in the ongoing Indian Premier League 2024. Agarkar addressed the issue and affirmed confidence in the right-handed batter’s ability. He also asserted that Pandya has many facets as a player which makes things easy for any captain.

Also Read: ‘We have not discussed Virat’s strike rate, you need experience’ - Ajit Agarkar defends Kohli’s selection for T20 World Cup

"There has been no talks about the vice captaincy - what Hardik brings as a cricketer, it's tough to replace - he gives lots of options to the captain as well and he is just coming back after a long break. His fitness is critical and so far he has gone well in the IPL," Agarkar said in the press conference. 

Hardik Pandya will aim to make it count in blues for India

The Baroda all-rounder is under the scanner as Mumbai Indians are reeling at the penultimate spot on the points table in IPL 2024. Though he was a linchpin behind Gujarat Titans maiden IPL title in 2022, he has been reprimanded on social media for his latest outings. For the unversed, Pandya was brought back to MI in a historic trade ahead of the IPL 2024. He has been having a forgettable IPL 2024, amassing 197 runs in 10 innings at an average of 21.88 and at a strike rate of 150.38.