Hardik Pandya’s T20 World Cup Selection Justified by BCCI Selector, Rinku Singh Sympathized With

Chairman of the BCCI‘s senior selection committee, Ajit Agarkar, defended the inclusion of Hardik Pandya as the vice-captain in the Indian squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024.

Agarkar downplayed concerns surrounding Hardik’s recent form, emphasizing the all-rounder’s irreplaceable skill set.

The BCCI unveiled the 15-member T20 World Cup squad, with Rohit Sharma appointed as captain.

Speaking at a press conference, Agarkar noted that Hardik’s return from a lengthy injury break explained his inconsistent performance in the IPL 2024.

Hardik had sustained an ankle injury during the ODI World Cup clash against Bangladesh in Pune on October 19.

The all-rounder’s rigorous fitness regime post-recovery enabled his comeback in time for IPL 2024, albeit without the desired impact.

In a separate statement, Agarkar expressed empathy towards Rinku Singh, who was overlooked for the T20 World Cup squad.

The left-handed batsman from KKR found himself in the reserves, with Agarkar mentioning the challenging decision-making process due to team combinations.

Agarkar stressed that Rinku and Shubman Gill‘s exclusion was solely based on squad strategy, aiming to cover various contingencies.

The uncertainty surrounding the tournament’s playing conditions in the US influenced the selectors’ decision to opt for a versatile squad.

While Agarkar acknowledged Rinku’s proximity to the final selection, he highlighted the necessity of additional bowling options for the tournament.