Hardik Pandya Center Of Fresh Attack, Irfan Pathan Questions Decision To Give Him Vice-Captaincy

India all-rounder Hardik Pandya continues to be at the center of criticism. After much debate over his place in the Indian team for the T20 World Cup 2024, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) selection committee awarded him a role in the 15-man squad for the showpiece event, despite poor form in IPL 2024. In fact, Hardik was also named the vice-captain of the team, a decision that hasn't gone down well with former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan. Aiming a fresh attack at Hardik, Irfan questioned the BCCI over the exceptions that the board made for the Mumbai Indians captain.

Irfan even pointed out the Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan scenario where the duo were forced out of the Indian team until they proved themselves in domestic cricket. However, no such measure was opted for Hardik who also remained away from domestic cricket before making a return to the Indian team.

"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.

"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," Pathan told Star Sports.

"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. Cricket isn't