<p>Things seem to have gotten ugly following Rohit Sharma&rsquo;s exclusion from the playing XI for the ongoing SCG Test. The latest reports have emerged suggesting that should Rohit decide against leading the team in One-Dayers, with the Champions Trophy 2025 looming, the BCCI has a backup option ready.</p>
<p>Rohit&rsquo;s omission from the BGT decider shocked the cricket world, with everyone wondering what led to him opting out from playing the decisive Test. At the coin toss, the stand-in Indian captain, Jasprit Bumrah, revealed Rohit showed leadership skills by resting himself, knowing his form hadn&rsquo;t helped India in the three matches he played in the series.</p>
<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/steve-smith-to-captain-australia-for-sri-lanka-tests-in-pat-cummins-absence-report-8587859" rel="dofollow">Steve Smith to captain Australia for Sri Lanka Tests &ndash; Report</a></strong></p>
<p>&lsquo;Our captain [Rohit Sharma] has shown his leadership as well. He's opted to rest in this game. "So, that shows that there's a lot of unity in our team. There's no selfishness. Whatever is in the team's best interest, we're looking to do that," Bumrah said at the toss.</p>
<p>However, his absence from the playing XI, and more so from the team sheet of 16 players, including the reserves and backups, fuelled speculations of his potential Test retirement following the conclusion of this Test.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Though neither Rohit, the board, nor anyone close to the dressing room has spilt beans on this, should Rohit decide to hang his boots across formats, the Men in Blue must have a new captain ready at the helm for the eight-team tournament.</p>
<h2>Who replaces Rohit as new ODI captain?</h2>
<p>Rohit announced his retirement from T20Is following winning the tournament in the Americas last year. Considering India&rsquo;s home season and the action-packed schedule that awaits, including the away BGT and the Champions Trophy, Rohit decided to hold the top spot in the side in two formats.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Meanwhile, considering how quickly things changed overnight, with a dip in Rohit&rsquo;s form, reflexes and leadership abilities, he remains far from being his best version, something which worries the new management.</p>
<p>An unnamed BCCI source has revealed that all-rounder Hardik Pandya emerges as the top yet best option to lead India in the Champions Trophy should Rohit announce his international retirement.</p>
<p>&ldquo;Hardik has the knack for leading in high-pressure situations, and his experience as an all-rounder and leader makes him an ideal choice for an ICC tournament like the Champions Trophy," an unnamed BCCI source said, as quoted by MyKhel.</p>
<p>Though the source revealed that BCCI had zeroed in on two other options, Pandya&rsquo;s credential keeps him ahead in the race.&nbsp;</p>
<p>&ldquo;Gill needs more grooming to mature into a leader, and SKY&rsquo;s ODI performances haven&rsquo;t been convincing enough. Hardik remains the most balanced option to lead India in ODIs if Rohit is unavailable," the source added.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Pakistan and the UAE will co-host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. While Pakistan will play all its matches in their country, India&rsquo;s games will take place in Dubai, including the knockouts, should they qualify.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The eight-team tournament will get underway on February 19 and ends on March 9.&nbsp;</p>
<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

Cricket, Sports: Rohit Sharma's omission from the BGT decider shocked the cricket world, with everyone wondering what led to him opting out from playing the decisive Test.

Things seem to have gotten ugly following Rohit Sharma’s exclusion from the playing XI for the ongoing SCG Test. The latest reports have emerged suggesting that should Rohit decide against leading the team in One-Dayers, with the Champions Trophy 2025 looming, the BCCI has a backup option ready. Rohit’s omission from the BGT decider shocked the cricket world, with everyone wondering what led to him opting out from playing the decisive Test. At the coin toss, the stand-in Indian captain, Jasprit Bumrah, revealed Rohit showed leadership skills by resting himself, knowing his form hadn’t helped India in the three matches he played in the series. Also read | Steve Smith to captain Australia for Sri Lanka Tests – Report ‘Our captain [Rohit Sharma] has shown his leadership as well. He's opted to rest in this game. "So, that shows that there's a lot of unity in our team. There's no selfishness. Whatever is in the team's best interest, we're looking to do that," Bumrah said at the toss. However, his absence from the playing XI, and more so from the team sheet of 16 players, including the reserves and backups, fuelled speculations of his potential Test retirement following the conclusion of this Test. Though neither Rohit, the board, nor anyone close to the dressing room has spilt beans on this, should Rohit decide to hang his boots across formats, the Men in Blue must have a new captain ready at the helm for the eight-team tournament. Who replaces Rohit as new ODI captain? Rohit announced his retirement from T20Is following winning the tournament in the Americas last year. Considering India’s home season and the action-packed schedule that awaits, including the away BGT and the Champions Trophy, Rohit decided to hold the top spot in the side in two formats. Meanwhile, considering how quickly things changed overnight, with a dip in Rohit’s form, reflexes and leadership abilities, he remains far from being his best version, something which worries the new management. An unnamed BCCI source has revealed that all-rounder Hardik Pandya emerges as the top yet best option to lead India in the Champions Trophy should Rohit announce his international retirement. “Hardik has the knack for leading in high-pressure situations, and his experience as an all-rounder and leader makes him an ideal choice for an ICC tournament like the Champions Trophy," an unnamed BCCI source said, as quoted by MyKhel. Though the source revealed that BCCI had zeroed in on two other options, Pandya’s credential keeps him ahead in the race. “Gill needs more grooming to mature into a leader, and SKY’s ODI performances haven’t been convincing enough. Hardik remains the most balanced option to lead India in ODIs if Rohit is unavailable," the source added. Meanwhile, Pakistan and the UAE will co-host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. While Pakistan will play all its matches in their country, India’s games will take place in Dubai, including the knockouts, should they qualify. The eight-team tournament will get underway on February 19 and ends on March 9. (With inputs from agencies)

India likely to have a new captain for Champions Trophy 2025 – Report

<p>India beat South Africa by 11 runs in the third and penultimate T20I, in Centurion, on Wednesday (Nov 13) to take an unassailable 2-1 lead in the series. Riding on Tilak Varma's 107* and Abhishek Sharma's 50, India posted 219/6 before restricting Proteas for 208/7. During SA's run-chase, Axar Patel stood tall with a brilliant catch to get rid of David Miller, off Hardik Pandya's bowling, as the video of his effort went viral on social media platforms.</p>

<p><strong>Here is the viral clip:</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">What a grab axar game changing moment kudos to axar Patel<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/indvssat20?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#indvssat20</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AxarPatel?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AxarPatel</a> <a href="https://t.co/5FxCRAYOCb">pic.twitter.com/5FxCRAYOCb</a></p>
— Kiran kumar (@Kirankumar324) <a href="https://twitter.com/Kirankumar324/status/1856770666617541042?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ms-dhoni-virat-kohli-rohit-and-dravid-wasted-10-years-of-my-sons-career-claims-sanju-samsons-father-776013">MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, Rohit and Dravid wasted 10 years of my son's career, claims Sanju Samson's father</a></strong></p>

<p>Axar's catch came at a vital time. David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen were in the middle for SA with the hosts needing 86 off the last five overs. In the 16th over, Miller smashed Hardik for a six on the fourth ball and went for another maximum on the next delivery. It was a short-pitched ball and Miller seemed to have timed it well. However, it didn't get the desired elevation. Axar, on the other hand,&nbsp;quickly judged the height of the ball and timed his jump to perfection to claim the catch. After Miller's fall, SA were 142/5 and had a herculean task to win.</p>

<p>Klaasen (41) and Marco Jansen (17-ball 54) kept SA alive, however, the visitors held their nerves to win by 11 runs. Arshdeep Singh (3 for 37) and Varun Chakravathy (2 for 54) were the wicket-takers for India as the Suryakumar Yadav-led Men in Blue now have a 2-1 lead.</p>

<p>After the match, India captain Surya said at the post-match presentation, "Very happy with the way things are going. Aggression and intent is always not about talking. They have made my job easier when I see them bat like that. I feel we are in the right direction."</p>

<p>The series finale will be played on Friday (Nov 15) in Johannesburg.</p>


India beat South Africa by 11 runs in the third and penultimate T20I, in Centurion, on Wednesday (Nov 13) to take an unassailable 2-1 lead in the series. Riding on Tilak Varma's 107* and Abhishek Sharma's 50, India posted 219/6 before restricting Proteas for 208/7.

India beat South Africa by 11 runs in the third and penultimate T20I, in Centurion, on Wednesday (Nov 13) to take an unassailable 2-1 lead in the series. Riding on Tilak Varma's 107* and Abhishek Sharma's 50, India posted 219/6 before restricting Proteas for 208/7. During SA's run-chase, Axar Patel stood tall with a brilliant catch to get rid of David Miller, off Hardik Pandya's bowling, as the video of his effort went viral on social media platforms. Here is the viral clip: What a grab axar game changing moment kudos to axar Patel#indvssat20 #AxarPatel pic.twitter.com/5FxCRAYOCb — Kiran kumar (@Kirankumar324) November 13, 2024 × Also read: MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, Rohit and Dravid wasted 10 years of my son's career, claims Sanju Samson's father Axar's catch came at a vital time. David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen were in the middle for SA with the hosts needing 86 off the last five overs. In the 16th over, Miller smashed Hardik for a six on the fourth ball and went for another maximum on the next delivery. It was a short-pitched ball and Miller seemed to have timed it well. However, it didn't get the desired elevation. Axar, on the other hand, quickly judged the height of the ball and timed his jump to perfection to claim the catch. After Miller's fall, SA were 142/5 and had a herculean task to win. Klaasen (41) and Marco Jansen (17-ball 54) kept SA alive, however, the visitors held their nerves to win by 11 runs. Arshdeep Singh (3 for 37) and Varun Chakravathy (2 for 54) were the wicket-takers for India as the Suryakumar Yadav-led Men in Blue now have a 2-1 lead. After the match, India captain Surya said at the post-match presentation, "Very happy with the way things are going. Aggression and intent is always not about talking. They have made my job easier when I see them bat like that. I feel we are in the right direction." The series finale will be played on Friday (Nov 15) in Johannesburg.

Ind vs SA: Axar Patel grabs a stunner to dismiss dangerman David Miller in high-scoring 3rd T20I - Watch

<p>Tristan Stubbs smashed an unbeaten 47 off 41 balls, and Gerald Coetzee remained not out on 19 to help South Africa recover from middle-over collapse drama to win the second T20I against India by three wickets and level the series 1-1. For India, Varun Chakaravarthy picked five wickets.&nbsp;</p>

<p>South Africa won the toss and elected to bowl first in Gqeberha, making the most of the conditions upfront by removing the last-game hero Sanju Samson on a second-ball duck. Gerald Coetzee removed Abhishek Sharma in the second over, with Captain Suryakumar Yadav falling shortly after on four.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tilak Varma and Axar Patel steadied the ship with a 30-run stand but failed to prolong it further, as Proteas skipper Aiden Markram provided the breakthrough to reduce India to 45 for four inside eight overs.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-informs-pakistan-of-no-india-presence-at-champions-trophy-pcb-to-boycott-playing-men-in-blue-775040">ICC informs Pakistan of no India presence at Champions Trophy; PCB to boycott playing Men in Blue in response</a></strong></p>

<p>Axar Patel continued from where he had left in the T20 World Cup against the same opponents, hitting a quick-fire 27 off 21 before getting run out. Tough&nbsp;batting conditions kept the Indians quiet until Hardik Pandya decided to open his arms late in the innings to propel the visitors to a fighting total.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With four fours and a six, Pandya remained unbeaten on 39 off 45 balls, as India 124 for six in 20 overs.</p>

<h2>Varun on top against Proteas</h2>

<p>Chasing a modest total, South Africa got off to a flyer but lost open Ryan Rickelton to Arshdeep Singh inside the third over.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With the Proteas flying high in the run chase, India needed some magic to get back to the game, and with that, SKY introduced Varun Chakaravarthy to the attack.</p>

<p>The right-arm mystery spinner, who picked three in the first game, returned with five wickets in this. Varun tore into the&nbsp;Proteas’ middle order, removing Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller off successive deliveries.</p>

<p>With South Africa’s back against the wall, the unlikely pair of Stubbs and Coetzee held ends to put some pressure back on India. With Varun completing his quota of four overs and Ravi Bishnoi done with his, following removing South Africa’s Andile Simelane in his last, the batting duo took the attack to the pacers to see the team home.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Stubbs hit the winning run as South Africa won the match with one over and three wickets remaining.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Supersport Park in Centurion will host the third game on Wednesday (Nov 13).&nbsp;</p>


Tristan Stubbs smashed an unbeaten 47 off 41 balls, and Gerald Coetzee remained not out on 19 to help South Africa recover from middle-over collapse drama to win the second T20I against India by three wickets and level the series 1-1.

Tristan Stubbs smashed an unbeaten 47 off 41 balls, and Gerald Coetzee remained not out on 19 to help South Africa recover from middle-over collapse drama to win the second T20I against India by three wickets and level the series 1-1. For India, Varun Chakaravarthy picked five wickets. South Africa won the toss and elected to bowl first in Gqeberha, making the most of the conditions upfront by removing the last-game hero Sanju Samson on a second-ball duck. Gerald Coetzee removed Abhishek Sharma in the second over, with Captain Suryakumar Yadav falling shortly after on four. Tilak Varma and Axar Patel steadied the ship with a 30-run stand but failed to prolong it further, as Proteas skipper Aiden Markram provided the breakthrough to reduce India to 45 for four inside eight overs. ALSO READ: ICC informs Pakistan of no India presence at Champions Trophy; PCB to boycott playing Men in Blue in response Axar Patel continued from where he had left in the T20 World Cup against the same opponents, hitting a quick-fire 27 off 21 before getting run out. Tough batting conditions kept the Indians quiet until Hardik Pandya decided to open his arms late in the innings to propel the visitors to a fighting total. With four fours and a six, Pandya remained unbeaten on 39 off 45 balls, as India 124 for six in 20 overs. Varun on top against Proteas Chasing a modest total, South Africa got off to a flyer but lost open Ryan Rickelton to Arshdeep Singh inside the third over. With the Proteas flying high in the run chase, India needed some magic to get back to the game, and with that, SKY introduced Varun Chakaravarthy to the attack. The right-arm mystery spinner, who picked three in the first game, returned with five wickets in this. Varun tore into the Proteas’ middle order, removing Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller off successive deliveries. With South Africa’s back against the wall, the unlikely pair of Stubbs and Coetzee held ends to put some pressure back on India. With Varun completing his quota of four overs and Ravi Bishnoi done with his, following removing South Africa’s Andile Simelane in his last, the batting duo took the attack to the pacers to see the team home. Stubbs hit the winning run as South Africa won the match with one over and three wickets remaining. The Supersport Park in Centurion will host the third game on Wednesday (Nov 13).

SA vs IND 2024, 2nd T20I: Tristan Stubbs’ 47* powers South Africa to level series after Varun’s heroics

<p>After a chaotic last few days, the lid on player retention was finally lifted on Diwali as all 10 franchises announced their lists with a bang. The retention announced on Thursday (Oct 31) had some surprises, but the majority of the big-name players expected to be retained had their wish fulfilled and won’t enter mega auctions set to take place in the next few weeks. That set of players included the Mumbai Indians’ ‘fab-five’ of Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Hardik Pandya. Interestingly, despite rumours, both Rohit and Hardik have been retained, with the latter continuing to serve as skipper.</p>

<h2><strong>Mumbai retain fab-five</strong></h2>

<p>In an announcement made on Thursday, Mumbai retained big-name players like Rohit, Hardik, Tilak, Suryakumar and Bumrah for the IPL 2025 and will have one Right to Match (RTM) card in hand for the mega auctions. Interestingly, excluding Tilak, the rest of the players have led the Indian cricket team which highlights the experience of the side.</p>

<h2><strong>Value of the retained players</strong></h2>

<p>Jasprit Bumrah (₹180mn, $2.14mn)</p>

<p>Suryakumar Yadav (₹163.5mn, $1.94mn)</p>

<p>Hardik Pandya (₹163.5mn, $1.94mn)</p>

<p>Rohit Sharma (₹163mn, $1.94mn)</p>

<p>Tilak Varma (₹80mn, $950,000)</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/full-list-of-ipl-2025-retentions-dhoni-stays-at-csk-as-uncapped-rohit-virat-retained-on-deadline-day-772345">Full list of IPL 2025 retentions: Dhoni stays at CSK as uncapped; Rohit, Virat retained on deadline day</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>Hardik Pandya to lead Mumbai</strong></h2>

<p>Despite rumours and a wealth of captaincy material, Mumbai Indians have retained faith in Hardik Pandya to skipper the side. There were rumours of him not getting retained while Suryakumar Yadav could be on his way to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) if he does not get the captaincy. However, this won’t be the case as Sky and Rohit will both remain at the base of Mumbai Indians in Wankhede Stadium. On the other hand, Bumrah is the prize asset of the side with a whopping retention value of $2.14 million.</p>

<h2><strong>Who did Mumbai release?</strong></h2>

<p>With Tilak Varma getting the nod of retention, Ishan Kishan was the biggest name from the franchise that will enter the auctions. However, history suggests that won’t be the end of the road with MI for Ishan. In IPL 2022 mega auctions, while Ishan was released, the franchise paid a big sum to reacquire his services. With RTM in hand as well, Ishan could yet return to Mumbai and don their colours for IPL 2025.</p>


After a chaotic last few days, the lid on player retention was finally lifted on Diwali as all 10 franchises announced their lists with a bang. The retention announced on Thursday (Oct 31) had some surprises, but the majority of the big-name players expected to be retained had their wish fulfilled and won’t enter mega auctions set to take place in the next few weeks.

After a chaotic last few days, the lid on player retention was finally lifted on Diwali as all 10 franchises announced their lists with a bang. The retention announced on Thursday (Oct 31) had some surprises, but the majority of the big-name players expected to be retained had their wish fulfilled and won’t enter mega auctions set to take place in the next few weeks. That set of players included the Mumbai Indians’ ‘fab-five’ of Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Hardik Pandya. Interestingly, despite rumours, both Rohit and Hardik have been retained, with the latter continuing to serve as skipper. Mumbai retain fab-five In an announcement made on Thursday, Mumbai retained big-name players like Rohit, Hardik, Tilak, Suryakumar and Bumrah for the IPL 2025 and will have one Right to Match (RTM) card in hand for the mega auctions. Interestingly, excluding Tilak, the rest of the players have led the Indian cricket team which highlights the experience of the side. Value of the retained players Jasprit Bumrah (₹180mn, $2.14mn) Suryakumar Yadav (₹163.5mn, $1.94mn) Hardik Pandya (₹163.5mn, $1.94mn) Rohit Sharma (₹163mn, $1.94mn) Tilak Varma (₹80mn, $950,000) ALSO READ | Full list of IPL 2025 retentions: Dhoni stays at CSK as uncapped; Rohit, Virat retained on deadline day Hardik Pandya to lead Mumbai Despite rumours and a wealth of captaincy material, Mumbai Indians have retained faith in Hardik Pandya to skipper the side. There were rumours of him not getting retained while Suryakumar Yadav could be on his way to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) if he does not get the captaincy. However, this won’t be the case as Sky and Rohit will both remain at the base of Mumbai Indians in Wankhede Stadium. On the other hand, Bumrah is the prize asset of the side with a whopping retention value of $2.14 million. Who did Mumbai release? With Tilak Varma getting the nod of retention, Ishan Kishan was the biggest name from the franchise that will enter the auctions. However, history suggests that won’t be the end of the road with MI for Ishan. In IPL 2022 mega auctions, while Ishan was released, the franchise paid a big sum to reacquire his services. With RTM in hand as well, Ishan could yet return to Mumbai and don their colours for IPL 2025.

IPL 2025: Hardik to continue leadership role as Mumbai Indians retain 'fab-five' including Rohit, Bumrah

<p>India all-rounder Hardik Pandya has praised T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav and head coach Gautam Gambhir after winning Player of the Series award in the recently-concluded 3-0 whitewash vs. Bangladesh. Pandya scored 118 runs and took a wicket across three matches. He scored the runs at an average of 59 and a strike rate of 222.64.</p>

<p>"The kind of freedom the skipper and the coach have given, that has been fantastic to the whole group. That is coming to all the players who are playing. At the end of the day, this sport, if you can enjoy, that's the best way you can get maximum out of yourself. When the dressing room is enjoying, when everyone's enjoying everyone's success, you feel like doing more," Pandya said at the post-match presentation after the third T20I, which India won by 133 runs.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/india-pacer-mayank-yadav-reenacts-bhuvneshwar-kumars-unique-feat-in-third-t20i-vs-bangladesh-767330">India pacer Mayank Yadav reenacts Bhuvneshwar Kumar's UNIQUE feat in third T20I vs Bangladesh</a></p>

<p>Pandya started the series with a blistering 16-ball 39 in the first T20I, which also included a no-look upper cut off a pacer. In the third T20I, Pandya smashed an 18-ball 47, and one of his shots was a checked drive over the covers, which went for six.</p>

<p>Pandya, who was touted as India's next T20I skipper, has rediscovered himself since getting injured in middle of the 2023 ODI World Cup.</p>

<p>He made a comeback from the injury during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 as Mumbai Indians skipper for which he was booed by fans a lot.</p>

<p>The all-rounder, however, played an important role in India's T20 World Cup 2024 winning campaign and bowled the last over against South Africa in the final as well.</p>

<p>For captaincy though, he was overlooked due to his injury-prone nature as per the selectors, and Suryakumar Yadav instead was handed the job after Rohit Sharma decided to retire following the T20 World Cup final.</p>


India all-rounder Hardik Pandya has praised T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav and head coach Gautam Gambhir after winning Player of the Series award in the recently-concluded 3-0 whitewash vs.

India all-rounder Hardik Pandya has praised T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav and head coach Gautam Gambhir after winning Player of the Series award in the recently-concluded 3-0 whitewash vs. Bangladesh. Pandya scored 118 runs and took a wicket across three matches. He scored the runs at an average of 59 and a strike rate of 222.64. "The kind of freedom the skipper and the coach have given, that has been fantastic to the whole group. That is coming to all the players who are playing. At the end of the day, this sport, if you can enjoy, that's the best way you can get maximum out of yourself. When the dressing room is enjoying, when everyone's enjoying everyone's success, you feel like doing more," Pandya said at the post-match presentation after the third T20I, which India won by 133 runs. Also Read: India pacer Mayank Yadav reenacts Bhuvneshwar Kumar's UNIQUE feat in third T20I vs Bangladesh Pandya started the series with a blistering 16-ball 39 in the first T20I, which also included a no-look upper cut off a pacer. In the third T20I, Pandya smashed an 18-ball 47, and one of his shots was a checked drive over the covers, which went for six. Pandya, who was touted as India's next T20I skipper, has rediscovered himself since getting injured in middle of the 2023 ODI World Cup. He made a comeback from the injury during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 as Mumbai Indians skipper for which he was booed by fans a lot. The all-rounder, however, played an important role in India's T20 World Cup 2024 winning campaign and bowled the last over against South Africa in the final as well. For captaincy though, he was overlooked due to his injury-prone nature as per the selectors, and Suryakumar Yadav instead was handed the job after Rohit Sharma decided to retire following the T20 World Cup final.

'Dressing room is enjoying...,' India all-rounder Hardik Pandya on Suryakumar Yadav's captaincy

<p>Former cricketer Aakash Chopra has praised India all-rounder Hardik Pandya for his performance in the recently-concluded 3-0 series win against Bangladesh. Pandya was named Player-of-the-Series for his 118 runs and a wicket across three matches.</p>

<p>"Hardik Pandya was the Player of the Series. He has seen the lows of lows in his personal and professional life, getting booed - everything has happened. His batting in all three matches, he has played few balls but always with a strike rate above 200. I thought he was absolutely sensational,” said Chopra while speaking on his YouTube channel.</p>

<p>“His swag is different. It was like hooliganism. He hit a six over cover and a no-look one-handed six on the leg side... He is batting differently. It was almost like insulting the bowlers, as though they don’t have any status at all,” he added.</p>

<p>Pandya started the series with a blistering 16-ball 39 in the first T20I, which also included a no-look upper cut off a pacer. In the third T20I, Pandya smashed an 18-ball 47, and one of his shots was a checked drive&nbsp;over the covers, which went for six.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/pakistan-rest-babar-azam-shaheen-shah-afridi-and-naseem-shah-for-remaining-england-tests-767068">Pakistan rest Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah for remaining England Tests</a></p>

<p>Pandya scored those runs at an average of 59 and a strike rate of 222.64. Pandya, who was touted as India's next T20I skipper, has rediscovered himself since getting injured in middle of the 2023 ODI World Cup.</p>

<p>He made a comeback from the injury during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 as Mumbai Indians skipper for which he was booed by fans a lot.</p>

<p>The all-rounder, however, played an important role in India's T20 World Cup 2024 winning campaign and bowled the last over against South Africa in the final as well.</p>

<p>For captaincy though, he was overlooked due to his injury-prone nature as per the selectors and Suryakumar Yadav instead was handed the job after Rohit Sharma decided to retire following T20 World Cup final.</p>


Former cricketer Aakash Chopra has praised India all-rounder Hardik Pandya for his performance in the recently-concluded 3-0 series win against Bangladesh. Pandya was named Player-of-the-Series for his 118 runs and a wicket across three matches.

Former cricketer Aakash Chopra has praised India all-rounder Hardik Pandya for his performance in the recently-concluded 3-0 series win against Bangladesh. Pandya was named Player-of-the-Series for his 118 runs and a wicket across three matches. "Hardik Pandya was the Player of the Series. He has seen the lows of lows in his personal and professional life, getting booed - everything has happened. His batting in all three matches, he has played few balls but always with a strike rate above 200. I thought he was absolutely sensational,” said Chopra while speaking on his YouTube channel. “His swag is different. It was like hooliganism. He hit a six over cover and a no-look one-handed six on the leg side... He is batting differently. It was almost like insulting the bowlers, as though they don’t have any status at all,” he added. Pandya started the series with a blistering 16-ball 39 in the first T20I, which also included a no-look upper cut off a pacer. In the third T20I, Pandya smashed an 18-ball 47, and one of his shots was a checked drive over the covers, which went for six. Also Read: Pakistan rest Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah for remaining England Tests Pandya scored those runs at an average of 59 and a strike rate of 222.64. Pandya, who was touted as India's next T20I skipper, has rediscovered himself since getting injured in middle of the 2023 ODI World Cup. He made a comeback from the injury during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 as Mumbai Indians skipper for which he was booed by fans a lot. The all-rounder, however, played an important role in India's T20 World Cup 2024 winning campaign and bowled the last over against South Africa in the final as well. For captaincy though, he was overlooked due to his injury-prone nature as per the selectors and Suryakumar Yadav instead was handed the job after Rohit Sharma decided to retire following T20 World Cup final.

'Don’t have any status...,' Aakash Chopra on Hardik Pandya's batting against Bangladesh bowlers

<p>India continued their absolute dominance over hapless Bangladesh in the second and penultimate T20I at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi on Wednesday (Oct 9). After a 1-0 lead, Suryakumar Yadav-led hosts were asked to bat first and rode on newcomer Nitish Reddy's 34-ball 74 and Rinku Singh's 29-ball 54 to post a massive 221/9 and restricted&nbsp;the Bangla Tigers to 135/9 to win by 86&nbsp;runs. The home side put on a clinical show by ticking all three departments. Hardik Pandya, who scored a vital 19-ball 32, also stood out with a blinder at the deep to dismiss Rishad Hossain.</p>

<p>In the 14th over, with the match pretty much out of Bangladesh's hand, Rishad Hossain attempted a big shot off Varun Chakravarthy. It was heaved towards wide long-on&nbsp;as Hardik&nbsp;sprinted towards his left from deep mid-wicket and plucked a stunner in front of the boundary.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/man-with-heart-of-gold-rohit-sharma-neeraj-chopra-and-other-sporting-stars-react-as-ratan-tata-passes-away-766138">Man with heart of gold: Rohit Sharma, Neeraj Chopra and other sporting stars react as Ratan Tata passes away</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>Here is the video:</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Athleticism at its best! 😎<br />
<br />
An outstanding running catch from Hardik Pandya 🔥🔥<br />
<br />
Live - <a href="https://t.co/Otw9CpO67y">https://t.co/Otw9CpO67y</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvBAN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvBAN</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hardikpandya7?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@hardikpandya7</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/IDFCFIRSTBank?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IDFCFIRSTBank</a> <a href="https://t.co/ApgekVe4rB">pic.twitter.com/ApgekVe4rB</a></p>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1844052425134743945?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 9, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>All the seven Indian bowlers chipped in with a wicket each with Varun and Reddy&nbsp;taking two-fers each. Earlier in the contest, the Men in Blue were reduced to 41-3 but continued their run-scoring ways courtesy of an impressive 108-run fourth-wicket stand between half-centurions Rinku and Reddy. While the latter fell for 74, laced with 4 fours and 7 sixes at a strike rate of 217.65, Rinku departed for 53, striking at 182.76. Hardik and Riyan Parag (6-ball 15) added more to the Indian scoreboard as the hosts posted 221/9 and, later, defended it in style.</p>

<p>India won the series opener by seven wickets in Gwalior and will now aim for a clean sweep with the series finale on Saturday (Oct 12) in Hyderabad.</p>


India continued their absolute dominance over hapless Bangladesh in the second and penultimate T20I at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi on Wednesday (Oct 9). After a 1-0 lead, Suryakumar Yadav-led hosts were asked to bat first and rode on newcomer Nitish Reddy's 34-ball 74 and Rinku Singh's 29-ball 54 to post a massive 221/9 and restricted the Bangla Tigers to 135/9 to win by 86 runs.

India continued their absolute dominance over hapless Bangladesh in the second and penultimate T20I at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi on Wednesday (Oct 9). After a 1-0 lead, Suryakumar Yadav-led hosts were asked to bat first and rode on newcomer Nitish Reddy's 34-ball 74 and Rinku Singh's 29-ball 54 to post a massive 221/9 and restricted the Bangla Tigers to 135/9 to win by 86 runs. The home side put on a clinical show by ticking all three departments. Hardik Pandya, who scored a vital 19-ball 32, also stood out with a blinder at the deep to dismiss Rishad Hossain. In the 14th over, with the match pretty much out of Bangladesh's hand, Rishad Hossain attempted a big shot off Varun Chakravarthy. It was heaved towards wide long-on as Hardik sprinted towards his left from deep mid-wicket and plucked a stunner in front of the boundary. Also read: Man with heart of gold: Rohit Sharma, Neeraj Chopra and other sporting stars react as Ratan Tata passes away Here is the video: Athleticism at its best! 😎 An outstanding running catch from Hardik Pandya 🔥🔥 Live - https://t.co/Otw9CpO67y#TeamIndia | #INDvBAN | @hardikpandya7 | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/ApgekVe4rB — BCCI (@BCCI) October 9, 2024 × All the seven Indian bowlers chipped in with a wicket each with Varun and Reddy taking two-fers each. Earlier in the contest, the Men in Blue were reduced to 41-3 but continued their run-scoring ways courtesy of an impressive 108-run fourth-wicket stand between half-centurions Rinku and Reddy. While the latter fell for 74, laced with 4 fours and 7 sixes at a strike rate of 217.65, Rinku departed for 53, striking at 182.76. Hardik and Riyan Parag (6-ball 15) added more to the Indian scoreboard as the hosts posted 221/9 and, later, defended it in style. India won the series opener by seven wickets in Gwalior and will now aim for a clean sweep with the series finale on Saturday (Oct 12) in Hyderabad.

IND vs Ban, 2nd T20I: Peak athleticism! Hardik Pandya pulls off a STUNNER to dismiss Rishad Hossain - Watch

<p>India all-rounder Hardik Pandya had a wonderful outing in the first T20I against Bangladesh on Sunday (Oct 6) and helped the team take 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Pandya took 1/26 in four overs and scored a blistering 39 not out off just 16 balls as India won the game by seven wickets.</p>

<p>Pandya also broke a couple of T20I records for India and one of them included going past now-retired T20I player Virat Kohli.</p>

<p>The all-rounder finished the game with a six - the fifth time he has done so in T20Is for India, which is the most and one more than Kohli, who had finished a T20I game for India with a six four times.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sri-lanka-appoint-sanath-jayasuriya-as-full-time-head-coach-following-successful-interim-stint-765158">Sri Lanka appoint Sanath Jayasuriya as full-time head coach following successful interim stint</a></p>

<p>Pandya also surpassed pacer Arshdeep Singh to become the fourth highest wicket-taker for India in T20Is. Pandya now has 87 T20I wickets - one more than Arshdeep's 86.</p>

<p>Yuzvendra Chahal is the highest wicket-taker for India in T20Is with 96 scalps to his name and&nbsp;is followed by Bhuvneshwar Kumar (90) and Jasprit Bumrah (89).</p>

<p>As for the match, India made short work of the 128-run target, achieving it in about 12 overs.</p>

<p>The new-look team under Suryakumar Yadav started the chase incredibly well as Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson scored 25 runs for the first wicket in just 11 balls before a mix up led to Sharma's run out.</p>

<p>Skipper Surya then joined Samson at the crease, and the duo added quickfire 40 runs, with Surya (29) scoring most of them before falling as India finished the powerplay at 71/2.</p>

<p>Samson also departed 15 runs later on the personal score of 29 off just 19 balls, but by then India needed just 48 runs in more than 12 overs remaining.</p>

<p>Debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy (20 not out) and Hardik Pandya then added rest of the runs and took the team home in convincing fashion.</p>


India all-rounder Hardik Pandya had a wonderful outing in the first T20I against Bangladesh on Sunday (Oct 6) and helped the team take 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

India all-rounder Hardik Pandya had a wonderful outing in the first T20I against Bangladesh on Sunday (Oct 6) and helped the team take 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Pandya took 1/26 in four overs and scored a blistering 39 not out off just 16 balls as India won the game by seven wickets. Pandya also broke a couple of T20I records for India and one of them included going past now-retired T20I player Virat Kohli. The all-rounder finished the game with a six - the fifth time he has done so in T20Is for India, which is the most and one more than Kohli, who had finished a T20I game for India with a six four times. Also Read: Sri Lanka appoint Sanath Jayasuriya as full-time head coach following successful interim stint Pandya also surpassed pacer Arshdeep Singh to become the fourth highest wicket-taker for India in T20Is. Pandya now has 87 T20I wickets - one more than Arshdeep's 86. Yuzvendra Chahal is the highest wicket-taker for India in T20Is with 96 scalps to his name and is followed by Bhuvneshwar Kumar (90) and Jasprit Bumrah (89). As for the match, India made short work of the 128-run target, achieving it in about 12 overs. The new-look team under Suryakumar Yadav started the chase incredibly well as Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson scored 25 runs for the first wicket in just 11 balls before a mix up led to Sharma's run out. Skipper Surya then joined Samson at the crease, and the duo added quickfire 40 runs, with Surya (29) scoring most of them before falling as India finished the powerplay at 71/2. Samson also departed 15 runs later on the personal score of 29 off just 19 balls, but by then India needed just 48 runs in more than 12 overs remaining. Debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy (20 not out) and Hardik Pandya then added rest of the runs and took the team home in convincing fashion.

IND vs BAN, 1st T20I: All-rounder Hardik Pandya breaks THIS Virat Kohli record and surpasses Arshdeep Singh

<p>On Sunday (Oct 6), Suryakumar Yadav-led India demolished Bangladesh by seven wickets in a chase of 128 to win the first T20I, of the three-match series, with ease in Gwalior. Asked to bat first, Najmul Shanto-led Bangla Tigers were bundled out for 127 in 19.5 overs with comeback man Varun Chakravarthy shining with the ball, returning with 3 for 31 whereas Arshdeep Singh also chipped in with 3 for 14. In reply, India rode on quickfire 29 apiece from Sanju Samson and skipper Surya before all-rounder Hardik Pandya ended proceedings in a flash, courtesy of his 16-ball 39*. After the match, former Indian opener Aakash Chopra slammed the visitors.</p>

<p>Chopra slammed the Bangla Tigers for their playing style and said on his YouTube channel, "Decimate, dominate, they were disposed of. Bangladesh guys - what are you doing, what sort of cricket do you play? You didn't even come close. This wasn't a match but a mismatch. India have gone 1-0 ahead. Whoever bowled picked up wickets, and whoever had a bat in his hands hit."</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-v-ban-1st-t20i-varun-chakravarthy-on-india-return-after-three-years-it-feels-like-rebirth-765077">IND v BAN 1st T20I: Varun Chakravarthy on India return after three years - 'It feels like rebirth'</a></strong></p>

<p>"The Indian team are playing like that because, sorry Bangladesh, due respect, but you are not challenging us. You are playing sub-standard cricket. You are playing extremely mediocre cricket. So when you start challenging yourself, you play cricket like this because whoever came (Indian batters), was hitting," Chopra added.</p>

<p>Talking about the contest, Indian bowlers dominated the show as none of the Bangladeshi batters looked threatening in the middle. In the run-chase, Indian batters continued their aggressive show with Samson, Abhishek Sharma and Surya taking India off to a flier before Hardik finished proceedings in style. His knock was laced with 5 fours and 2 sixes at a strike rate of 243.75.</p>

<p>Bangladesh need to produce something really special in the second and penultimate T20I, in New Delhi on Wednesday (Oct 9), to level the series.</p>


On Sunday (Oct 6), Suryakumar Yadav-led India demolished Bangladesh by seven wickets in a chase of 128 to win the first T20I, of the three-match series, with ease in Gwalior.

On Sunday (Oct 6), Suryakumar Yadav-led India demolished Bangladesh by seven wickets in a chase of 128 to win the first T20I, of the three-match series, with ease in Gwalior. Asked to bat first, Najmul Shanto-led Bangla Tigers were bundled out for 127 in 19.5 overs with comeback man Varun Chakravarthy shining with the ball, returning with 3 for 31 whereas Arshdeep Singh also chipped in with 3 for 14. In reply, India rode on quickfire 29 apiece from Sanju Samson and skipper Surya before all-rounder Hardik Pandya ended proceedings in a flash, courtesy of his 16-ball 39*. After the match, former Indian opener Aakash Chopra slammed the visitors. Chopra slammed the Bangla Tigers for their playing style and said on his YouTube channel, "Decimate, dominate, they were disposed of. Bangladesh guys - what are you doing, what sort of cricket do you play? You didn't even come close. This wasn't a match but a mismatch. India have gone 1-0 ahead. Whoever bowled picked up wickets, and whoever had a bat in his hands hit." Also read: IND v BAN 1st T20I: Varun Chakravarthy on India return after three years - 'It feels like rebirth' "The Indian team are playing like that because, sorry Bangladesh, due respect, but you are not challenging us. You are playing sub-standard cricket. You are playing extremely mediocre cricket. So when you start challenging yourself, you play cricket like this because whoever came (Indian batters), was hitting," Chopra added. Talking about the contest, Indian bowlers dominated the show as none of the Bangladeshi batters looked threatening in the middle. In the run-chase, Indian batters continued their aggressive show with Samson, Abhishek Sharma and Surya taking India off to a flier before Hardik finished proceedings in style. His knock was laced with 5 fours and 2 sixes at a strike rate of 243.75. Bangladesh need to produce something really special in the second and penultimate T20I, in New Delhi on Wednesday (Oct 9), to level the series.

What sort of cricket do you play?: Former cricketer slams Bangladesh for no show in 1st T20I vs India

<p>Ace India all-rounder Hardik Pandya made headlines for his superb outing with both bat and ball against Bangladesh in the first T20I in Gwalior on Sunday (Oct 6); however, what made headlines was his ‘no-look’ shot off Taskin Ahmed for a boundary.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the most Hardik manner, the right-handed batter played an uppercut for a sublime-looking four off a bouncer, with India closing in on the run chase.</p>

<p>The fans in attendance, the commentators and the millions watching at home let alone Pandya, were all in awe of this extraordinary shot.</p>

<h2>Watch Pandya’s ‘no-look’ shot against Bangladesh –</h2>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">"Hardik Pandya" finishes off in style for India ! 💥🔥🥵❤️🐐<br />
Hardik Pandya in full flow has some unreal swag👀😂🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvsBAN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvsBAN</a> <a href="https://t.co/Awt3H2d16J">pic.twitter.com/Awt3H2d16J</a></p>
— Manjesh Jangir 🚩 हिन्दू (@monu_jangir3) <a href="https://twitter.com/monu_jangir3/status/1842967816091402485?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 6, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Pandya remained unbeaten on 39 off 16 balls, hitting five fours and two sixes, one of which came off Rishad Hossain, hitting a good length delivery for a maximum over cover. That shot also garnered attention, with social media going gaga over it.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-v-ban-1st-t20i-varun-chakravarthy-on-india-return-after-three-years-it-feels-like-rebirth-765077">IND v BAN 1st T20I: Varun Chakravarthy on India return after three years - 'It feels like rebirth'</a></strong></p>

<h3>WATCH VIDEO –</h3>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">𝙎𝙈𝘼𝘾𝙆𝙀𝘿 with power and timing!<a href="https://twitter.com/hardikpandya7?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@hardikpandya7</a> dispatches one over deep extra cover 🔥<br />
<br />
Live - <a href="https://t.co/Q8cyP5jXLe">https://t.co/Q8cyP5jXLe</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvBAN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvBAN</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/IDFCFIRSTBank?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IDFCFIRSTBank</a> <a href="https://t.co/kNaZjSl1Tq">pic.twitter.com/kNaZjSl1Tq</a></p>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1842963813039235575?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 6, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Meanwhile, Pandya was among the handful of star cricketers picked for the first T20I, with Captain Suryakumar Yadav, keeper-batter Sanju Samson and seamer Arshdeep Singh being others.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Opening the bowling alongside Arshdeep, who returned with three wickets and won the Player-of-the-Match award, Pandya made the new ball talk up front but picked his only wicket in the 18th over, removing seamer Shoriful Islam on a duck.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Coming onto bat in the eighth over after the fall of the third wicket, Pandya continued from where he left in the shorter format, slamming bowlers to all parts of the grounds.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Alongside debutant and fellow all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, Pandya led the charge, stitching a 52-run stand for the fourth wicket and winning the game for India with seven wickets remaining.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Just the start we wanted! Enjoying every moment out there. Thanks for the love Gwalior 🇮🇳❤️ <a href="https://t.co/SBkugjsAXr">pic.twitter.com/SBkugjsAXr</a></p>
— hardik pandya (@hardikpandya7) <a href="https://twitter.com/hardikpandya7/status/1842971072217669851?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 6, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>With this win, India leads the three-match series 1-0.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Delhi will host the second T20I on Wednesday (Oct 9), while Hyderabad will stage the final game on Saturday (Oct 12).&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Ace India all-rounder Hardik Pandya made headlines for his superb outing with both bat and ball against Bangladesh in the first T20I in Gwalior on Sunday (Oct 6); however, what made headlines was his ‘no-look’ shot off Taskin Ahmed for a boundary.

Ace India all-rounder Hardik Pandya made headlines for his superb outing with both bat and ball against Bangladesh in the first T20I in Gwalior on Sunday (Oct 6); however, what made headlines was his ‘no-look’ shot off Taskin Ahmed for a boundary. In the most Hardik manner, the right-handed batter played an uppercut for a sublime-looking four off a bouncer, with India closing in on the run chase. The fans in attendance, the commentators and the millions watching at home let alone Pandya, were all in awe of this extraordinary shot. Watch Pandya’s ‘no-look’ shot against Bangladesh – "Hardik Pandya" finishes off in style for India ! 💥🔥🥵❤️🐐 Hardik Pandya in full flow has some unreal swag👀😂🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥#INDvsBAN pic.twitter.com/Awt3H2d16J — Manjesh Jangir 🚩 हिन्दू (@monu_jangir3) October 6, 2024 × Pandya remained unbeaten on 39 off 16 balls, hitting five fours and two sixes, one of which came off Rishad Hossain, hitting a good length delivery for a maximum over cover. That shot also garnered attention, with social media going gaga over it. ALSO READ: IND v BAN 1st T20I: Varun Chakravarthy on India return after three years - 'It feels like rebirth' WATCH VIDEO – 𝙎𝙈𝘼𝘾𝙆𝙀𝘿 with power and timing!@hardikpandya7 dispatches one over deep extra cover 🔥 Live - https://t.co/Q8cyP5jXLe#TeamIndia | #INDvBAN | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/kNaZjSl1Tq — BCCI (@BCCI) October 6, 2024 × Meanwhile, Pandya was among the handful of star cricketers picked for the first T20I, with Captain Suryakumar Yadav, keeper-batter Sanju Samson and seamer Arshdeep Singh being others. Opening the bowling alongside Arshdeep, who returned with three wickets and won the Player-of-the-Match award, Pandya made the new ball talk up front but picked his only wicket in the 18th over, removing seamer Shoriful Islam on a duck. Coming onto bat in the eighth over after the fall of the third wicket, Pandya continued from where he left in the shorter format, slamming bowlers to all parts of the grounds. Alongside debutant and fellow all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, Pandya led the charge, stitching a 52-run stand for the fourth wicket and winning the game for India with seven wickets remaining. Just the start we wanted! Enjoying every moment out there. Thanks for the love Gwalior 🇮🇳❤️ pic.twitter.com/SBkugjsAXr — hardik pandya (@hardikpandya7) October 6, 2024 × With this win, India leads the three-match series 1-0. Delhi will host the second T20I on Wednesday (Oct 9), while Hyderabad will stage the final game on Saturday (Oct 12). (With inputs from agencies)

Hardik Pandya’s swag grows with ‘no-look shot’ in Gwalior – WATCH

<p>Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh says that snubbing all-rounder Hardik Pandya for India's T20I captaincy was not right. Suryakumar Yadav was named India's T20I skipper after Rohit Sharma decided to quit the shortest format post India's T20 World Cup 2024 win. Hardik was Rohit's deputy in the tournament and played a pivotal role in India's winning campaign.</p>

<p>"I was (surprised). Upto some extent, I was (disappointed). He was your vice-captain...when Rohit Sharma is not the captain, your vice-captain becomes the captain. But if you tell him on fitness ground that you will not be the captain - there's no T20I cricket round the year," Harbhajan said in a conversation with Sports Yaari.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/everything-started-there-india-skipper-rohit-shares-turning-point-in-kanpur-test-against-bangladesh-764700">'Everything started there...,' India skipper Rohit shares turning point in Kanpur Test against Bangladesh</a></p>

<p>"He came after winning the T20 World Cup and suddenly, it's a big setback for him. It's not right. I have great respect for Suryakumar Yadav. Phenomenal player, great guy...very selfless. Even he wouldn't have though that this would happen," he added.</p>

<p>India's chief selector Ajit Agarkar had sighted Hardik's injury as the reason for his snub. The all-rounder had gotten injured during India's match against Bangladesh in ODI World Cup 2023.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hardik then made a comeback in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season as Mumbai Indians skipper in April-May after the ODI WC before taking part in the T20 WC.</p>

<p>Next up, India are all set to face Bangladesh in three T20Is starting October 6 in Gwalior with Surya as the skipper. The next two games will be played in New Delhi (Oct 9) and Hyderabad (Oct 12).</p>

<p>India squad for Bangladesh T20Is: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Rinku Singh, Hardik Pandya, Riyan Parag, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Mayank Yadav</p>


Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh says that snubbing all-rounder Hardik Pandya for India's T20I captaincy was not right. Suryakumar Yadav was named India's T20I skipper after Rohit Sharma decided to quit the shortest format post India's T20 World Cup 2024 win.

Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh says that snubbing all-rounder Hardik Pandya for India's T20I captaincy was not right. Suryakumar Yadav was named India's T20I skipper after Rohit Sharma decided to quit the shortest format post India's T20 World Cup 2024 win. Hardik was Rohit's deputy in the tournament and played a pivotal role in India's winning campaign. "I was (surprised). Upto some extent, I was (disappointed). He was your vice-captain...when Rohit Sharma is not the captain, your vice-captain becomes the captain. But if you tell him on fitness ground that you will not be the captain - there's no T20I cricket round the year," Harbhajan said in a conversation with Sports Yaari. Also Read: 'Everything started there...,' India skipper Rohit shares turning point in Kanpur Test against Bangladesh "He came after winning the T20 World Cup and suddenly, it's a big setback for him. It's not right. I have great respect for Suryakumar Yadav. Phenomenal player, great guy...very selfless. Even he wouldn't have though that this would happen," he added. India's chief selector Ajit Agarkar had sighted Hardik's injury as the reason for his snub. The all-rounder had gotten injured during India's match against Bangladesh in ODI World Cup 2023. Hardik then made a comeback in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season as Mumbai Indians skipper in April-May after the ODI WC before taking part in the T20 WC. Next up, India are all set to face Bangladesh in three T20Is starting October 6 in Gwalior with Surya as the skipper. The next two games will be played in New Delhi (Oct 9) and Hyderabad (Oct 12). India squad for Bangladesh T20Is: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Rinku Singh, Hardik Pandya, Riyan Parag, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Mayank Yadav

'It's not right,' says former spinner Harbhajan Singh on Hardik Pandya's snub as new India T20I skipper

<p>Ace India all-rounder Hardik Pandya is in line to make a shock return to Test cricket for the first time in six years. Having last appeared in the whites for the country in 2018, Pandya is now gearing up for the five-match Test series Down Under starting November 22.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Per the latest reports, Pandya has put in hard yards under the watchful eyes of Gujarat Titans assistant coach Naeem Amin at the Mighty Willow Cricket Academy in London lately, with his training video doing rounds on social media.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-v-ban-2024-bangladesh-undecided-over-shakib-al-hasans-availability-for-kanpur-test-761248">IND v BAN 2024: Bangladesh undecided over Shakib Al Hasan’s availability for Kanpur Test</a></strong></p>

<p>Pandya, who in the past claimed to be opting out of playing the longer format, seems to have changed his mind, and going by Amin’s words (on his Instagram post), Pandya has pushed above his weight during the training, showing the willingness to remain available for selection in all formats and not just in ODIs and T20Is.</p>

<p>“What a fantastic experience working with Hardik Pandya over the last few weeks. We worked on several things, and I’m excited to see his progress in the future,” Amin wrote on his Instagram post.</p>

<p>“Working with a player at the highest level can teach you so much. The insights have been invaluable, and it’s also been great fun. As with all of the high-profile players I have worked with, I’m very appreciative that Hardik has trusted me to provide input on his game. Well done, and all the best, brother,” he continued.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH VIDEO -</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DAOXyMVN6Kp/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DAOXyMVN6Kp/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>

<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DAOXyMVN6Kp/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DAOXyMVN6Kp/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Naeem Amin (@mightywillow)</a></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2>Bangladesh T20Is next in line for Pandya</h2>

<p>Hardik Pandya has had a mixed-match 2023. While his return to his former IPL franchise, Mumbai Indians, this time as a skipper, was no short of a troublesome run for him and the team as they finished last on the points table, the right-hander played a handy role in helping India win the 2024 T20 World Cup in the Americas in June.</p>

<p>Out of the team since the Sri Lanka T20Is, for personal reasons, Pandya is all set to return to the squad for the Bangladesh T20Is.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja having retired from the shortest format, and the BCCI selectors said to be resting some key players from this series considering workload management, Pandya could be among the few high-profile names to be picked.</p>

<p>India is scheduled to travel to South Africa for four T20Is just before the start of the five-match Test series against Australia and the selectors will consider Pandya’s case for the tour Down Under.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, premium seamer Mohammed Shami will also be fit before the Australian series, per the latest reports, with Team India benefitting from more seam bowlers.</p>


Ace India all-rounder Hardik Pandya is in line to make a shock return to Test cricket for the first time in six years. Having last appeared in the whites for the country in 2018, Pandya is now gearing up for the five-match Test series Down Under starting November 22.

Ace India all-rounder Hardik Pandya is in line to make a shock return to Test cricket for the first time in six years. Having last appeared in the whites for the country in 2018, Pandya is now gearing up for the five-match Test series Down Under starting November 22. Per the latest reports, Pandya has put in hard yards under the watchful eyes of Gujarat Titans assistant coach Naeem Amin at the Mighty Willow Cricket Academy in London lately, with his training video doing rounds on social media. ALSO READ: IND v BAN 2024: Bangladesh undecided over Shakib Al Hasan’s availability for Kanpur Test Pandya, who in the past claimed to be opting out of playing the longer format, seems to have changed his mind, and going by Amin’s words (on his Instagram post), Pandya has pushed above his weight during the training, showing the willingness to remain available for selection in all formats and not just in ODIs and T20Is. “What a fantastic experience working with Hardik Pandya over the last few weeks. We worked on several things, and I’m excited to see his progress in the future,” Amin wrote on his Instagram post. “Working with a player at the highest level can teach you so much. The insights have been invaluable, and it’s also been great fun. As with all of the high-profile players I have worked with, I’m very appreciative that Hardik has trusted me to provide input on his game. Well done, and all the best, brother,” he continued. WATCH VIDEO - View this post on Instagram A post shared by Naeem Amin (@mightywillow) × Bangladesh T20Is next in line for Pandya Hardik Pandya has had a mixed-match 2023. While his return to his former IPL franchise, Mumbai Indians, this time as a skipper, was no short of a troublesome run for him and the team as they finished last on the points table, the right-hander played a handy role in helping India win the 2024 T20 World Cup in the Americas in June. Out of the team since the Sri Lanka T20Is, for personal reasons, Pandya is all set to return to the squad for the Bangladesh T20Is. With Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja having retired from the shortest format, and the BCCI selectors said to be resting some key players from this series considering workload management, Pandya could be among the few high-profile names to be picked. India is scheduled to travel to South Africa for four T20Is just before the start of the five-match Test series against Australia and the selectors will consider Pandya’s case for the tour Down Under. Meanwhile, premium seamer Mohammed Shami will also be fit before the Australian series, per the latest reports, with Team India benefitting from more seam bowlers.

Hardik Pandya gears up for ‘shock’ Test return with BGT looming, training video goes viral - WATCH

<p>Star Indian cricketers KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya appeared on a now-deleted infamous ‘Koffee with Karan’ episode that aired in 2019, which later led to their suspension from Indian Cricket over some of their remarks being deemed inappropriate and offensive by viewers. Five years later, a changed and more mature KL Rahul recalls what happened after the episode aired and how his life turned upside down.</p>

<p>At that time, when that episode made headlines within the Indian cricket fraternity and fans, KL and Pandya were in Australia. The controversy erupted, cutting short their stay Down Under as BCCI recalled the pair home.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/eng-v-sl-2024-mark-wood-wont-bowl-on-day-four-of-manchester-test-against-sri-lanka-ecb-752975">ENG v SL 2024: Mark Wood won't bowl on day four of Manchester Test against Sri Lanka - ECB</a></strong></p>

<p>Appearing on Nikhil Kamath's YouTube podcast, featuring guests Kriti Sanon and Badshah, KL Rahul candidly discussed how that episode profoundly impacted his life. The India keeper-batter Rahul admitted that the interview left him deeply scarred and changed him as a person.</p>

<p>"I used to be good with trolling. I used to think I don't care. I was much younger back then. A couple of years back, I was exposed to a lot of trolling. If I sat I got trolled, if I stood I got trolled," Rahul said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The interview was a different world. That changed me. Completely changed me. I was a very soft-spoken person growing up. Then I played for India and became very confident. People will know I have been in a room of 100 people.”</p>

<p>"Now I don't because that interview scarred me massively. Getting suspended from the team. I have never been suspended in school, or punished in school. I don't know how to handle it. I did mischief in schools, but nothing to get me expelled from school or my parents have come," Rahul noted.</p>

<h2>Life afterwards</h2>

<p>Meanwhile, KL and Hardik have come a long way since that episode. While Hardik was appointed the ODI vice-captain for the 2023 World Cup, later replacing Rohit Sharma as the new captain of Mumbai Indians in IPL 2024, Rahul became the first-choice keeper-batter in the One-Day format.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Both played handy roles in the ODI World Cup last year, helping the hosts reach the final. Though Pandya got ruled out during the Bangladesh tie, KL Rahul was among the runs, besides getting acknowledged for his wicket-keeping.</p>

<p>KL and Pandya are in the fray for spots in the ODI side for next year’s ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Star Indian cricketers KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya appeared on a now-deleted infamous ‘Koffee with Karan’ episode that aired in 2019, which later led to their suspension from Indian Cricket over some of their remarks being deemed inappropriate and offensive by viewers.

Star Indian cricketers KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya appeared on a now-deleted infamous ‘Koffee with Karan’ episode that aired in 2019, which later led to their suspension from Indian Cricket over some of their remarks being deemed inappropriate and offensive by viewers. Five years later, a changed and more mature KL Rahul recalls what happened after the episode aired and how his life turned upside down. At that time, when that episode made headlines within the Indian cricket fraternity and fans, KL and Pandya were in Australia. The controversy erupted, cutting short their stay Down Under as BCCI recalled the pair home. ALSO READ: ENG v SL 2024: Mark Wood won't bowl on day four of Manchester Test against Sri Lanka - ECB Appearing on Nikhil Kamath's YouTube podcast, featuring guests Kriti Sanon and Badshah, KL Rahul candidly discussed how that episode profoundly impacted his life. The India keeper-batter Rahul admitted that the interview left him deeply scarred and changed him as a person. "I used to be good with trolling. I used to think I don't care. I was much younger back then. A couple of years back, I was exposed to a lot of trolling. If I sat I got trolled, if I stood I got trolled," Rahul said. "The interview was a different world. That changed me. Completely changed me. I was a very soft-spoken person growing up. Then I played for India and became very confident. People will know I have been in a room of 100 people.” "Now I don't because that interview scarred me massively. Getting suspended from the team. I have never been suspended in school, or punished in school. I don't know how to handle it. I did mischief in schools, but nothing to get me expelled from school or my parents have come," Rahul noted. Life afterwards Meanwhile, KL and Hardik have come a long way since that episode. While Hardik was appointed the ODI vice-captain for the 2023 World Cup, later replacing Rohit Sharma as the new captain of Mumbai Indians in IPL 2024, Rahul became the first-choice keeper-batter in the One-Day format. Both played handy roles in the ODI World Cup last year, helping the hosts reach the final. Though Pandya got ruled out during the Bangladesh tie, KL Rahul was among the runs, besides getting acknowledged for his wicket-keeping. KL and Pandya are in the fray for spots in the ODI side for next year’s ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan. (With inputs from agencies)

‘That interview scarred me massively’ – KL Rahul on life after infamous ‘Koffee with Karan’ episode

<p>India celebrates its 78th Independence Day on August 15, 2024, and everyone, from cricketers to footballers to former and current stars across all sports, extended their heartfelt greetings on social media. Be it Indian cricket all-rounder Hardik Pandya or two-time Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra - the sporting heroes celebrated the country’s Independence Day with their fans.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the Indian contingent at the recently concluded Paris Olympic Games 2024 had a mixed outing. While some came agonisingly close to winning an Olympic medal but finished fourth in their respective disciplines, others, like ace Shooter Manu Bhaker, created history, becoming the first Indian athlete – male or female, to win two medals in a single edition.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/olympics/news-it-is-indias-dream-to-host-2036-olympics-says-pm-modi-during-independence-day-speech-750294">It is India's dream to host 2036 Olympics, says PM Modi during Independence Day speech</a></strong></p>

<p>Besides her, Neeraj also won the silver medal in javelin throw while the Indian men’s hockey won their second successive bronze at the Summer Games, beating Spain in the medal match. There were three medal debutants: Sarabjot Singh and Swapnil Kusale in Shooting and Aman Sehrawat in Freestyle Wrestling.</p>

<p>However, what made headlines at the sporting spectacle was grappler Vinesh Phogat, who got disqualified from the gold medal match for being overweight by 100gms. Although she appealed against the decision at the Court of Arbitration (CAS), the verdict came against her.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Check out the posts on X by Indian sports athletes -</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Playing for my country will always come first for me. Wishing you all a very happy Independence Day 🇮🇳❤️ <a href="https://t.co/I7gcU8fkJn">pic.twitter.com/I7gcU8fkJn</a></p>
— hardik pandya (@hardikpandya7) <a href="https://twitter.com/hardikpandya7/status/1823956458494427165?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">In everything we do, let’s think of our country. By working hard with honesty and love, we can each make a difference. ❤️<br />
<br />
Happy Independence Day 🇮🇳❤️🧿 <a href="https://t.co/OTxoucWIow">pic.twitter.com/OTxoucWIow</a></p>
— SheetalArcher (@ArcherSheetal) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArcherSheetal/status/1823939630397284710?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Happy Independence Day! 🇮🇳 <a href="https://t.co/TNtxe1Tpzw">pic.twitter.com/TNtxe1Tpzw</a></p>
— Sania Mirza (@MirzaSania) <a href="https://twitter.com/MirzaSania/status/1823958260270952495?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Happy Independence Day! 🇮🇳 <a href="https://t.co/iZij8uwGHI">pic.twitter.com/iZij8uwGHI</a></p>
— Sreeja Akula (@SreejaAkula31) <a href="https://twitter.com/SreejaAkula31/status/1823954196334301303?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Happy Independence Day, India 🇮🇳 <a href="https://t.co/Mtlz5f68cB">pic.twitter.com/Mtlz5f68cB</a></p>
— Shreyas Iyer (@ShreyasIyer15) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShreyasIyer15/status/1823961662610714961?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">As a sportsperson, I’ve learned the value of freedom on the field, but it’s the freedom of our nation that gives us the strength to dream big. Happy Independence Day! 🇮🇳 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JaiHind?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JaiHind</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FreedomToDream?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FreedomToDream</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HappyIndependenceDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HappyIndependenceDay</a> <a href="https://t.co/cOkTpIr6dD">pic.twitter.com/cOkTpIr6dD</a></p>
— Saina Nehwal (@NSaina) <a href="https://twitter.com/NSaina/status/1823936548460511658?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Happy Independence Day 🇮🇳🫡 <a href="https://t.co/8dTEt79fQX">pic.twitter.com/8dTEt79fQX</a></p>
— geeta phogat (@geeta_phogat) <a href="https://twitter.com/geeta_phogat/status/1823916302940979244?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Wishing a very Happy Independence Day to all my fellow countrymen 😇<br />
May the tricolour always fly high!<br />
Jai Hind! 🇮🇳 <a href="https://t.co/m4Pi7gTPj8">pic.twitter.com/m4Pi7gTPj8</a></p>
— Yuzvendra Chahal (@yuzi_chahal) <a href="https://twitter.com/yuzi_chahal/status/1823959871059808470?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">स्वतंत्रता दिवस की हार्दिक शुभकामनाएँ। जय हिन्द! 🇮🇳 <a href="https://t.co/Wuz613NgSH">pic.twitter.com/Wuz613NgSH</a></p>
— Neeraj Chopra (@Neeraj_chopra1) <a href="https://twitter.com/Neeraj_chopra1/status/1823971374760694213?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Proud Indian 🇮🇳<br />
<br />
Wishing you all a memorable Independence Day! May the spirit of freedom and patriotism fill your heart with pride.<br />
<br />
Jai hind 💪<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/78th?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#78th</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/independenceday?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#independenceday</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/aug15th?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#aug15th</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/jaihind?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#jaihind</a> #🇮🇳 <a href="https://t.co/PZtqaq8cGp">pic.twitter.com/PZtqaq8cGp</a></p>
— sreejesh p r (@16Sreejesh) <a href="https://twitter.com/16Sreejesh/status/1823889804934713361?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="und">झंडा उचा रहे हमारा 🇮🇳🙏<br />
<br />
Happy Independence Day to all 🤗 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/proudindian?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#proudindian</a> 🇮🇳<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JaiHind?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JaiHind</a> 🇮🇳 <a href="https://t.co/Jfq63DrpRL">pic.twitter.com/Jfq63DrpRL</a></p>
— Lalit Upadhyay (@lalithockey) <a href="https://twitter.com/lalithockey/status/1823946687607435726?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OnThisDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OnThisDay</a> in 1936, the Indian hockey team, led by the legendary Dhyan Chand, delivered a spectacular performance to secure their third consecutive Olympic gold. 🏅🇮🇳 <a href="https://t.co/R3XqI4JibJ">pic.twitter.com/R3XqI4JibJ</a></p>
— Olympic Khel (@OlympicKhel) <a href="https://twitter.com/OlympicKhel/status/1823970377619661274?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


India celebrates its 78th Independence Day on August 15, 2024, and everyone, from cricketers to footballers to former and current stars across all sports, extended their heartfelt greetings on social media.

India celebrates its 78th Independence Day on August 15, 2024, and everyone, from cricketers to footballers to former and current stars across all sports, extended their heartfelt greetings on social media. Be it Indian cricket all-rounder Hardik Pandya or two-time Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra - the sporting heroes celebrated the country’s Independence Day with their fans. Meanwhile, the Indian contingent at the recently concluded Paris Olympic Games 2024 had a mixed outing. While some came agonisingly close to winning an Olympic medal but finished fourth in their respective disciplines, others, like ace Shooter Manu Bhaker, created history, becoming the first Indian athlete – male or female, to win two medals in a single edition. ALSO READ: It is India's dream to host 2036 Olympics, says PM Modi during Independence Day speech Besides her, Neeraj also won the silver medal in javelin throw while the Indian men’s hockey won their second successive bronze at the Summer Games, beating Spain in the medal match. There were three medal debutants: Sarabjot Singh and Swapnil Kusale in Shooting and Aman Sehrawat in Freestyle Wrestling. However, what made headlines at the sporting spectacle was grappler Vinesh Phogat, who got disqualified from the gold medal match for being overweight by 100gms. Although she appealed against the decision at the Court of Arbitration (CAS), the verdict came against her. Check out the posts on X by Indian sports athletes - Playing for my country will always come first for me. Wishing you all a very happy Independence Day 🇮🇳❤️ pic.twitter.com/I7gcU8fkJn — hardik pandya (@hardikpandya7) August 15, 2024 × In everything we do, let’s think of our country. By working hard with honesty and love, we can each make a difference. ❤️ Happy Independence Day 🇮🇳❤️🧿 pic.twitter.com/OTxoucWIow — SheetalArcher (@ArcherSheetal) August 15, 2024 × Happy Independence Day! 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/TNtxe1Tpzw — Sania Mirza (@MirzaSania) August 15, 2024 × Happy Independence Day! 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/iZij8uwGHI — Sreeja Akula (@SreejaAkula31) August 15, 2024 × Happy Independence Day, India 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/Mtlz5f68cB — Shreyas Iyer (@ShreyasIyer15) August 15, 2024 × As a sportsperson, I’ve learned the value of freedom on the field, but it’s the freedom of our nation that gives us the strength to dream big. Happy Independence Day! 🇮🇳 #JaiHind #FreedomToDream #HappyIndependenceDay pic.twitter.com/cOkTpIr6dD — Saina Nehwal (@NSaina) August 15, 2024 × Happy Independence Day 🇮🇳🫡 pic.twitter.com/8dTEt79fQX — geeta phogat (@geeta_phogat) August 15, 2024 × Wishing a very Happy Independence Day to all my fellow countrymen 😇 May the tricolour always fly high! Jai Hind! 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/m4Pi7gTPj8 — Yuzvendra Chahal (@yuzi_chahal) August 15, 2024 × स्वतंत्रता दिवस की हार्दिक शुभकामनाएँ। जय हिन्द! 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/Wuz613NgSH — Neeraj Chopra (@Neeraj_chopra1) August 15, 2024 × Proud Indian 🇮🇳 Wishing you all a memorable Independence Day! May the spirit of freedom and patriotism fill your heart with pride. Jai hind 💪#78th #independenceday #aug15th #jaihind #🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/PZtqaq8cGp — sreejesh p r (@16Sreejesh) August 15, 2024 × झंडा उचा रहे हमारा 🇮🇳🙏 Happy Independence Day to all 🤗 #proudindian 🇮🇳#JaiHind 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/Jfq63DrpRL — Lalit Upadhyay (@lalithockey) August 15, 2024 × #OnThisDay in 1936, the Indian hockey team, led by the legendary Dhyan Chand, delivered a spectacular performance to secure their third consecutive Olympic gold. 🏅🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/R3XqI4JibJ — Olympic Khel (@OlympicKhel) August 15, 2024 ×

Cricketers, Olympic athletes celebrate India’s 78th Independence Day

Star Indian cricketer Hardik Pandya is again in the news, now over the rumours surrounding his personal life. A month after Pandya announced his divorce from model wife Natasa Stankovic, he has reportedly found a new love interest in British singer and TV personality of Indian descent, Jasmin Walia.

Star Indian cricketer Hardik Pandya is again in the news, now over the rumours surrounding his personal life. A month after Pandya announced his divorce from model wife Natasa Stankovic, he has reportedly found a new love interest in British singer and TV personality of Indian descent, Jasmin Walia. The rumours about Pandya and Walia dating sparked when nosy fans noticed the duo posting Instagram pictures from the same location. The duo is reportedly vacationing in Greece. Pandya shared a video chilling by a pool with a Greek backdrop, and Walia also shared some pictures in a blue bikini with a breezy blue shirt in front of a similar location. Also Read | Hardik Pandya, Natasa Stankovic divorce rumours surface online. Here's what we know Since then, people have gone crazy and have been stalking Walia for more clues about her dating Pandya. Take a look at recent pictures shared by the rumoured duo. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jasmin Walia (@jasminwalia) × View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hardik Himanshu Pandya (@hardikpandya93) × Though all these are rumours, based on netizens' assumptions, the last time the internet speculated a divorce between Pandya and Stankovic, the couple announced the split within months. Who is Jasmin Walia? Jasmin Walia is a British singer and television personality of Indian descent. She was born in Essex, England to Indian parents. Walia has released songs in English, Punjabi and Hindi. In 2017, her single "Bom Diggy" with Zack Knight peaked at number one on the BBC Asian Network's Official Asian Music Chart. It currently has over 424 million combined streams. Also Read | Hardik Pandya`s wife Natasa Stankovic shuns down critics amid divorce rumours She was also nominated for the Mirchi Music Award for Upcoming Female Vocalist of The Year at the 11th Mirchi Music Awards for the song "Bom Diggy". The song was also nominated for the Mirchi Music Award for Song of The Year. Walia was even named in the Top 50 Sexiest Asian Women List by Eastern Eye in 2014 alongside Zayn Malik and in 2015 with Sanaya Irani. Netizens now have a change of heart towards Natasa Stankovic Following Stankovic and Pandya’s separation, netizens were quick to jump to the conclusion that it was Stankovic who divorced Pandya, as she “tricked” the cricketer for money and fame. However, after looking at the latest pictures of Pandya and rumoured love interest Walia, people are now feeling sorry for Stankovic. People started commenting on Stankovic’s new Instagram reel saying, “You deserve better,” and said sorry for judging her earlier. View this post on Instagram A post shared by @natasastankovic__ × Someone wrote, “Go girl get going keep empowering your self be strong!” One of the fans pointed out how Stankovic slayed in that dress, another user commented, “Sorry Natasa we blamed you, we should not say anything about your relationship, because we don’t know well, sorry.” The story of Pandya, Stankovic and Walia tells us a lot about how social media is so quick to react to the personal lives of celebrities and judge their characters. (With inputs from agencies)

Who is Jasmin Walia? 'Bom Diggy' British singer rumoured to be dating Hardik Pandya

<p>Newly-appointed Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir is chasing a few unanswered questions as the Men in Blue prepare&nbsp;for the road to the Champions Trophy with the three-match ODIs against Sri Lanka starting August 2 in Colombo. The return of Captain Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli boosts the team’s morale, as newcomers like Riyan Parag and Harshit Rana eye debuts.</p>

<p>However, amidst returns and debuts, everyone seeks answers to who stands tall between KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant as the keeper-batter in ODIs, where does Shreyas Iyer fit in the middle order, will Hardik Pandya return to the scheme of things in the One-Day format and who is India’s third-choice seamer?</p>

<h2><strong>The Big Question – KL Rahul or Rishabh Pant?</strong></h2>

<p>With Rohit, Shubman Gill and Kohli likely to be India’s top three at the Champions Trophy 2025, the question arises - who plays in the middle order? Will KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant both play? And if that happens, where does Shreyas Iyer come into the picture?</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ms-dhoni-waiting-for-revised-retention-policies-to-decide-on-ipl-future-746271">MS Dhoni waiting for revised ‘retention policies’ to decide on IPL future</a></strong></p>

<p>KL Rahul’s return to the squad for the Sri Lanka ODIs ring warning bells for Pant, who recently won the T20 World Cup in the Americas. Although he started ahead of Sanju Samson in the 20-team tournament, Pant could have to wait for his turn in the ODIs since the selectors picked KL Rahul as an incumbent keeper-batter for the three matches.</p>

<p>A match-winner in the middle order and more than a tidy keeper, with his exploits in the 2023 World Cup and away South Africa ODIs enough for evidence, KL is ahead in the pecking order to keep wickets in the SL One-Dayers.</p>

<p>In that scenario, Pant sits out, and Shreyas Iyer makes his much-awaited return to the Indian Team since his fallout with BCCI late last year. But should Gambhir decide against continuing with KL Rahul as the first-choice keeper despite Pant being available for selection, Team India could field all three, provided Pant keeps wickets.</p>

<h3><strong>Who will be the all-rounder?</strong></h3>

<p>The selectors cleared why they dropped Hardik Pandya for the SL ODIs, with fitness being a massive concern. Although they haven’t discarded the chances for his return, the selectors want Pandya to work on his bowling fitness to work his way back into the team.</p>

<p>Now, since he’s absent, the newer management will look to try Riyan Parag in his place.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>READ MORE: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pathirana-madushanka-ruled-out-of-india-odis-with-injuries-as-sri-lanka-run-out-of-pace-options-746198">Pathirana, Madushanka ruled out of India ODIs with injuries as Sri Lanka run out of pace options</a></strong></p>

<p>The Assam all-rounder was impressive during the SL T20Is, not entirely with the bat, but with the ball in hand, which helped him press his case for his ODI debut in Sri Lanka.</p>

<h3><strong>Arshdeep, Siraj or someone else as the third seamer</strong></h3>

<p>With the ace duo of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami sure of playing all games, the selectors are undecided about whom to pick as the third seamer.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Although Mohammed Siraj leads the race on seniority, the left-arm seamer Arshdeep Singh has worked hard to get into contention.</p>

<p>With Siraj looked upon as a better longer-format bowler, Arshdeep has excelled in T20 cricket, finishing with the most wickets for India (17) in the T20 WC.</p>

<p>However, outside of these two, the selectors and the team management have other options like Khaleel Ahmed, Mukesh Kumar, Avesh Khan or even Harshit Rana to look at should he make his ODI debut in Sri Lanka.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the eight-team tournament will be played in the February-March window next year, with Pakistan slated to host the tournament.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Newly-appointed Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir is chasing a few unanswered questions as the Men in Blue prepare for the road to the Champions Trophy with the three-match ODIs against Sri Lanka starting August 2 in Colombo.

Newly-appointed Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir is chasing a few unanswered questions as the Men in Blue prepare for the road to the Champions Trophy with the three-match ODIs against Sri Lanka starting August 2 in Colombo. The return of Captain Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli boosts the team’s morale, as newcomers like Riyan Parag and Harshit Rana eye debuts. However, amidst returns and debuts, everyone seeks answers to who stands tall between KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant as the keeper-batter in ODIs, where does Shreyas Iyer fit in the middle order, will Hardik Pandya return to the scheme of things in the One-Day format and who is India’s third-choice seamer? The Big Question – KL Rahul or Rishabh Pant? With Rohit, Shubman Gill and Kohli likely to be India’s top three at the Champions Trophy 2025, the question arises - who plays in the middle order? Will KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant both play? And if that happens, where does Shreyas Iyer come into the picture? ALSO READ: MS Dhoni waiting for revised ‘retention policies’ to decide on IPL future KL Rahul’s return to the squad for the Sri Lanka ODIs ring warning bells for Pant, who recently won the T20 World Cup in the Americas. Although he started ahead of Sanju Samson in the 20-team tournament, Pant could have to wait for his turn in the ODIs since the selectors picked KL Rahul as an incumbent keeper-batter for the three matches. A match-winner in the middle order and more than a tidy keeper, with his exploits in the 2023 World Cup and away South Africa ODIs enough for evidence, KL is ahead in the pecking order to keep wickets in the SL One-Dayers. In that scenario, Pant sits out, and Shreyas Iyer makes his much-awaited return to the Indian Team since his fallout with BCCI late last year. But should Gambhir decide against continuing with KL Rahul as the first-choice keeper despite Pant being available for selection, Team India could field all three, provided Pant keeps wickets. Who will be the all-rounder? The selectors cleared why they dropped Hardik Pandya for the SL ODIs, with fitness being a massive concern. Although they haven’t discarded the chances for his return, the selectors want Pandya to work on his bowling fitness to work his way back into the team. Now, since he’s absent, the newer management will look to try Riyan Parag in his place. READ MORE: Pathirana, Madushanka ruled out of India ODIs with injuries as Sri Lanka run out of pace options The Assam all-rounder was impressive during the SL T20Is, not entirely with the bat, but with the ball in hand, which helped him press his case for his ODI debut in Sri Lanka. Arshdeep, Siraj or someone else as the third seamer With the ace duo of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami sure of playing all games, the selectors are undecided about whom to pick as the third seamer. Although Mohammed Siraj leads the race on seniority, the left-arm seamer Arshdeep Singh has worked hard to get into contention. With Siraj looked upon as a better longer-format bowler, Arshdeep has excelled in T20 cricket, finishing with the most wickets for India (17) in the T20 WC. However, outside of these two, the selectors and the team management have other options like Khaleel Ahmed, Mukesh Kumar, Avesh Khan or even Harshit Rana to look at should he make his ODI debut in Sri Lanka. Meanwhile, the eight-team tournament will be played in the February-March window next year, with Pakistan slated to host the tournament. (With inputs from agencies)

Gautam Gambhir chases few unanswered questions as India begin quest for Champions Trophy 2025 with SL ODIs

<p>Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri opened up on Hardik Pandya's injury concerns. Hardik served as India's white-ball vice-captain since early 2023. Post Rohit Sharma's T20I retirement, after India's 2024 T20 World Cup win, it was expected that he would take over as T20I skipper. Nonetheless, new head coach Gautam Gambhir -- who took over from&nbsp; Rahul Dravid -- and BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar named Suryakumar Yadav as the new T20I captain. Moreover, Hardik isn't part of India's three ODIs versus hosts Sri Lanka and will leave the tour midway, after the ongoing three-match T20I series in the Island nation (citing personal reasons). Shastri, thus, opined on Hardik's ODI future, saying that he will have to prove his fitness by bowling more overs consistently else it will be tough for him to retain his place.</p>

<p>Talking to host Sanjana Ganesan in a recent show, Shastri said, "I think (it's) very important that he continues to play. I believe match fitness is very important. So whatever T20I cricket there is, he should play as much as he can. And if he feels strong and fit, then obviously he comes into the side for the one-day game as well."</p>

<p>He further opined, "But then again, the bowling becomes important. If you have someone coming and bowling just three overs in where you have to bowl 10 in a one-day game, then the balance of the side takes a hit. If you can bowl consistently eight to 10 overs every game and then bat the way he does, I think he'll play in one-day cricket as well."</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/india-beat-sri-lanka-in-rain-curtailed-second-t20i-to-take-unassailable-lead-in-series-745063">India beat Sri Lanka in rain-curtailed second T20I to take unassailable lead in series</a></strong></p>

<p>Shastri added, "So I think it's up to him really, more than anything else. He understands his body better than anyone. And I'm sure, this will inspire him, especially with the way he did in the World Cup, the way he performed at the right times for India and the World Cup, so that should really get him going. He shouldn't need any motivation to get his fitness right at the top there."</p>

<p>Hardik was last seen in action in ODIs during the home World Cup, last year. He got injured during India's fourth encounter, versus Bangladesh in Pune. Before his injury, the all-rounder was bowling regularly, up to 7-8 overs, if not his full quota. Given that there is so much said and written about his fitness at present, the 30-year-old will be desperate to play both the white-ball formats and silence his critics by bowling maximum overs (especially in ODIs).</p>

<p>Currently, Hardik is involved in the three T20Is between India and Sri Lanka in Pallekele, with Surya-led Men in Blue having an unassailable 2-0 lead after a seven-wicket win in the second encounter on Sunday (July 28).</p>


Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri opened up on Hardik Pandya's injury concerns. Hardik served as India's white-ball vice-captain since early 2023. Post Rohit Sharma's T20I retirement, after India's 2024 T20 World Cup win, it was expected that he would take over as T20I skipper.

Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri opened up on Hardik Pandya's injury concerns. Hardik served as India's white-ball vice-captain since early 2023. Post Rohit Sharma's T20I retirement, after India's 2024 T20 World Cup win, it was expected that he would take over as T20I skipper. Nonetheless, new head coach Gautam Gambhir -- who took over from Rahul Dravid -- and BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar named Suryakumar Yadav as the new T20I captain. Moreover, Hardik isn't part of India's three ODIs versus hosts Sri Lanka and will leave the tour midway, after the ongoing three-match T20I series in the Island nation (citing personal reasons). Shastri, thus, opined on Hardik's ODI future, saying that he will have to prove his fitness by bowling more overs consistently else it will be tough for him to retain his place. Talking to host Sanjana Ganesan in a recent show, Shastri said, "I think (it's) very important that he continues to play. I believe match fitness is very important. So whatever T20I cricket there is, he should play as much as he can. And if he feels strong and fit, then obviously he comes into the side for the one-day game as well." He further opined, "But then again, the bowling becomes important. If you have someone coming and bowling just three overs in where you have to bowl 10 in a one-day game, then the balance of the side takes a hit. If you can bowl consistently eight to 10 overs every game and then bat the way he does, I think he'll play in one-day cricket as well." Also read: India beat Sri Lanka in rain-curtailed second T20I to take unassailable lead in series Shastri added, "So I think it's up to him really, more than anything else. He understands his body better than anyone. And I'm sure, this will inspire him, especially with the way he did in the World Cup, the way he performed at the right times for India and the World Cup, so that should really get him going. He shouldn't need any motivation to get his fitness right at the top there." Hardik was last seen in action in ODIs during the home World Cup, last year. He got injured during India's fourth encounter, versus Bangladesh in Pune. Before his injury, the all-rounder was bowling regularly, up to 7-8 overs, if not his full quota. Given that there is so much said and written about his fitness at present, the 30-year-old will be desperate to play both the white-ball formats and silence his critics by bowling maximum overs (especially in ODIs). Currently, Hardik is involved in the three T20Is between India and Sri Lanka in Pallekele, with Surya-led Men in Blue having an unassailable 2-0 lead after a seven-wicket win in the second encounter on Sunday (July 28).

'If you're bowling just...': Ravi Shastri shares take on injury-prone Hardik Pandya's ODI future

<p>India's new T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav says Hardik Pandya is a very important player of the team. The comments came days after Surya pipped Pandya to become the new T20I skipper following&nbsp;Rohit Sharma's retirement.</p>

<p>“Hardik's role has always been the same. He is a very important player for the team. The way he performed in the World Cup, I hope he will continue to do the same,” Surya told reporters on the eve of the first T20I against Sri Lanka.</p>

<p>Hardik, who was Rohit's deputy in the recently concluded T20 World Cup, lost out on the captaincy due to fitness issues as per the BCCI.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/gautam-gambhir-reacts-to-rahul-dravids-powerful-message-that-makes-him-smile-ahead-of-india-coaching-debut-744721">Gautam Gambhir reacts to Rahul Dravid’s 'powerful message' that makes him smile ahead of India coaching debut</a></p>

<p>Surya's first assignment is going to be the three-T20I series against Sri Lanka which starts on Sunday&nbsp;(Jul 28). The series also marks Gautam Gambhir's maiden one&nbsp;as the new head coach.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Apart from Rohit, Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja's retirement, Rahul Dravid also decided not to continue as India head coach after T20 WC glory.</p>

<p>Hardik, as SKY mentioned, played a pivotal role in India's title-winning campaign, scoring 144 runs and taking 11 wickets throughout the tournament. Hardik also bowled the last over against South Africa in the final.</p>

<p>The all-rounder and SKY came together&nbsp;to take out David Miller who was Proteas' last hope to win the ICC trophy.</p>

<p>After SKY's announcement as T20I skipper, BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar said&nbsp;that Pandya's fitness concerns and workload management were the main issues behind the decision.</p>

<p>Before the T20 World Cup, Hardik had last played in the 2023 ODI World Cup during which he got injured. The all-rounder only returned to competitive cricket during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season.</p>

<p><strong>India Squad for T20Is:</strong> Suryakumar Yadav (C), Ꮪhubman Gill (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rinku Singh, Riyan Parag, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sanju Samson (WK), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, Mohd. Siraj.</p>


India's new T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav says Hardik Pandya is a very important player of the team. The comments came days after Surya pipped Pandya to become the new T20I skipper following Rohit Sharma's retirement.

India's new T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav says Hardik Pandya is a very important player of the team. The comments came days after Surya pipped Pandya to become the new T20I skipper following Rohit Sharma's retirement. “Hardik's role has always been the same. He is a very important player for the team. The way he performed in the World Cup, I hope he will continue to do the same,” Surya told reporters on the eve of the first T20I against Sri Lanka. Hardik, who was Rohit's deputy in the recently concluded T20 World Cup, lost out on the captaincy due to fitness issues as per the BCCI. Also Read: Gautam Gambhir reacts to Rahul Dravid’s 'powerful message' that makes him smile ahead of India coaching debut Surya's first assignment is going to be the three-T20I series against Sri Lanka which starts on Sunday (Jul 28). The series also marks Gautam Gambhir's maiden one as the new head coach. Apart from Rohit, Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja's retirement, Rahul Dravid also decided not to continue as India head coach after T20 WC glory. Hardik, as SKY mentioned, played a pivotal role in India's title-winning campaign, scoring 144 runs and taking 11 wickets throughout the tournament. Hardik also bowled the last over against South Africa in the final. The all-rounder and SKY came together to take out David Miller who was Proteas' last hope to win the ICC trophy. After SKY's announcement as T20I skipper, BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar said that Pandya's fitness concerns and workload management were the main issues behind the decision. Before the T20 World Cup, Hardik had last played in the 2023 ODI World Cup during which he got injured. The all-rounder only returned to competitive cricket during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season. India Squad for T20Is: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Ꮪhubman Gill (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rinku Singh, Riyan Parag, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sanju Samson (WK), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, Mohd. Siraj.

'I hope he will...,' Suryakumar reacts on becoming India T20I skipper over Hardik Pandya

<p>Recently, Suryakumar Yadav pipped Hardik Pandya to become India's new T20I captain. Ahead of India's white-ball tour of Sri Lanka, which gets underway on Saturday (Jul&nbsp;27), new head coach Gautam Gambhir and BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar revealed that they named Surya the new captain -- after Rohit Sharma's T20I retirement --&nbsp;due to Hardik's injury concerns. Paras Mhambrey, who recently stepped down as the&nbsp;bowling coach of the recently-resigned Rahul Dravid-led coaching staff, has now revealed that Dravid had also considered Surya as a T20I skipper during his tenure.</p>

<p>Hardik served as Rohit's deputy in white-ball formats since early 2023. Many thought he was next in line to take over after Hitman called it quits from the format after India's T20 World Cup triumph last month. However, Surya got the nod ahead of Gambhir-Agarkar. Mhambrey has&nbsp;revealed that even Dravid had Surya in mind as the next T20I skipper.</p>

<p>The ex-bowling coach told HT, "First and foremost when you pick a captain, you expect the captain to play all the games in that format. We, the coaches and selectors, have always felt that here's a guy (Surya) who's gonna have a long future in the T20 format. He has mastered that skill. One of the best in this format. He and Klaasen are maybe one or two in T20Is now based on their current form. Just the pure impact he has on winning games for India is phenomenal."</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/was-2023-odi-wc-final-pitch-doctored-vikram-rathour-denies-allegations-says-we-couldve-743942">Was 2023 ODI WC final pitch 'doctored'? Vikram Rathour denies allegations, says, 'we could've...'</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>'After Rohit and Virat,&nbsp;we have Surya, who is experienced and closer to&nbsp;youngsters'</strong></h2>

<p>Mhambrey further mentioned, "He's been with the team. I've seen him interact with the young guys. On one hand, we had Rohit and Virat, guys who are stalwarts, and then we have Surya, who is experienced but probably even closer to the youngsters. He is very friendly with everyone. He has that respect from the younger lot. The youngsters need to interact with him, he's good at it." He added, "So, has a good bond with everyone in the team. He has come up through the ranks, so he has a lot of experience and is a smart cricketer."</p>

<p>Surya has been a force to reckon with ever since making his debut in T20Is in 2021. So far, he has 2,340&nbsp;runs (third-most amongst Indians), including four centuries,&nbsp;in 68&nbsp;games at a strike rate of 167.74. In 2022, when Dravid had just taken over as India's head coach, Surya was in sublime form and ended with 1,164 runs (most&nbsp;in the calendar year) in 31 games with a strike rate of 187.43. Thus, during Dravid's run, the Mumbai Indians (MI) batter cemented his T20I spot.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ahead of the SL tour, Agarkar also told in a press conference&nbsp;that&nbsp;he got&nbsp;'feedback from the dressing room' before naming the new T20I captain. Thus, the&nbsp;Dravid-led coaching staff might have also played a role in Surya's&nbsp;promotion.</p>

<p>Surya-led India will kick off their three-match T20I series versus Sri Lanka on Saturday in Pallekele. All three games will be held in Pallekele before Rohit-led India face the Lankans in three ODIs, in Colombo.</p>


Recently, Suryakumar Yadav pipped Hardik Pandya to become India's new T20I captain. Ahead of India's white-ball tour of Sri Lanka, which gets underway on Saturday (Jul 27), new head coach Gautam Gambhir and BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar revealed that they named Surya the new captain -- after Rohit Sharma's T20I retirement -- due to Hardik's injury concerns.

Recently, Suryakumar Yadav pipped Hardik Pandya to become India's new T20I captain. Ahead of India's white-ball tour of Sri Lanka, which gets underway on Saturday (Jul 27), new head coach Gautam Gambhir and BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar revealed that they named Surya the new captain -- after Rohit Sharma's T20I retirement -- due to Hardik's injury concerns. Paras Mhambrey, who recently stepped down as the bowling coach of the recently-resigned Rahul Dravid-led coaching staff, has now revealed that Dravid had also considered Surya as a T20I skipper during his tenure. Hardik served as Rohit's deputy in white-ball formats since early 2023. Many thought he was next in line to take over after Hitman called it quits from the format after India's T20 World Cup triumph last month. However, Surya got the nod ahead of Gambhir-Agarkar. Mhambrey has revealed that even Dravid had Surya in mind as the next T20I skipper. The ex-bowling coach told HT, "First and foremost when you pick a captain, you expect the captain to play all the games in that format. We, the coaches and selectors, have always felt that here's a guy (Surya) who's gonna have a long future in the T20 format. He has mastered that skill. One of the best in this format. He and Klaasen are maybe one or two in T20Is now based on their current form. Just the pure impact he has on winning games for India is phenomenal." Also read: Was 2023 ODI WC final pitch 'doctored'? Vikram Rathour denies allegations, says, 'we could've...' 'After Rohit and Virat, we have Surya, who is experienced and closer to youngsters' Mhambrey further mentioned, "He's been with the team. I've seen him interact with the young guys. On one hand, we had Rohit and Virat, guys who are stalwarts, and then we have Surya, who is experienced but probably even closer to the youngsters. He is very friendly with everyone. He has that respect from the younger lot. The youngsters need to interact with him, he's good at it." He added, "So, has a good bond with everyone in the team. He has come up through the ranks, so he has a lot of experience and is a smart cricketer." Surya has been a force to reckon with ever since making his debut in T20Is in 2021. So far, he has 2,340 runs (third-most amongst Indians), including four centuries, in 68 games at a strike rate of 167.74. In 2022, when Dravid had just taken over as India's head coach, Surya was in sublime form and ended with 1,164 runs (most in the calendar year) in 31 games with a strike rate of 187.43. Thus, during Dravid's run, the Mumbai Indians (MI) batter cemented his T20I spot. Ahead of the SL tour, Agarkar also told in a press conference that he got 'feedback from the dressing room' before naming the new T20I captain. Thus, the Dravid-led coaching staff might have also played a role in Surya's promotion. Surya-led India will kick off their three-match T20I series versus Sri Lanka on Saturday in Pallekele. All three games will be held in Pallekele before Rohit-led India face the Lankans in three ODIs, in Colombo.

Dravid, not Gambhir, behind Suryakumar Yadav being named T20I skipper? Here's what former coach says

<p>Former Indian opener and 1983 ODI World Cup winner Krisnamachari Srikkanth is 'not okay' with BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar's reasoning behind not giving T20I captaincy to Hardik Pandya.</p>

<p>This comes after Suryakumar Yadav was chosen as India's new T20I skipper after Rohit Sharma's retirement from the shortest format post 2024 T20 World Cup win.</p>

<p>"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. He also bowled. Yes, he might not have done well (in the IPL). That's another issue. Mumbai Indians didn't qualify. At the World Cup, he was the vice-captain and he played well. So, fitness is something that I won't agree with," Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/indian-team-has-to-play-its-matches-icc-puts-aside-supplementary-funds-for-champions-trophy-2025-743769">'Indian team&nbsp;has to play its matches...,' ICC puts aside 'supplementary funds' for Champions Trophy 2025</a></p>

<p>"Feedback from the dressing room? I am not able to understand that. Yes, Suryakumar has the qualities to be captain. I agree to that. He could prove to be a very good captain. But the reasons for dropping Hardik Pandya as captain are beating around the bush in terms of the reasoning," he added.</p>

<p>The former chief selector, however, didn't have any problem with Suryakumar Yadav becoming the skipper but just wanted a clear reason to drop Hardik from the contention.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Suryakumar is a fantastic person. I like him. So is Hardik. But the reasons that they are giving, they could have said it in a straightforward manner 'we are dropping Hardik Pandya as captain, we want to move forward. We are looking at Suryakumar as a long term'. Make it clear. Say it without fear," said Srikkanth.</p>

<p>India will play the first series under Surya as T20I skipper against Sri Lanka which starts from July 27. The series will also mark the start of Gautam Gambhir's role as the new India head coach.</p>


Former Indian opener and 1983 ODI World Cup winner Krisnamachari Srikkanth is 'not okay' with BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar's reasoning behind not giving T20I captaincy to Hardik Pandya.

Former Indian opener and 1983 ODI World Cup winner Krisnamachari Srikkanth is 'not okay' with BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar's reasoning behind not giving T20I captaincy to Hardik Pandya. This comes after Suryakumar Yadav was chosen as India's new T20I skipper after Rohit Sharma's retirement from the shortest format post 2024 T20 World Cup win. "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. He also bowled. Yes, he might not have done well (in the IPL). That's another issue. Mumbai Indians didn't qualify. At the World Cup, he was the vice-captain and he played well. So, fitness is something that I won't agree with," Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel. Also Read: 'Indian team has to play its matches...,' ICC puts aside 'supplementary funds' for Champions Trophy 2025 "Feedback from the dressing room? I am not able to understand that. Yes, Suryakumar has the qualities to be captain. I agree to that. He could prove to be a very good captain. But the reasons for dropping Hardik Pandya as captain are beating around the bush in terms of the reasoning," he added. The former chief selector, however, didn't have any problem with Suryakumar Yadav becoming the skipper but just wanted a clear reason to drop Hardik from the contention. "Suryakumar is a fantastic person. I like him. So is Hardik. But the reasons that they are giving, they could have said it in a straightforward manner 'we are dropping Hardik Pandya as captain, we want to move forward. We are looking at Suryakumar as a long term'. Make it clear. Say it without fear," said Srikkanth. India will play the first series under Surya as T20I skipper against Sri Lanka which starts from July 27. The series will also mark the start of Gautam Gambhir's role as the new India head coach.

'Probably been from the IPL...,' former BCCI chief selector slams REASONS to snub Hardik as T20I skipper

<p>Hardik Pandya was snubbed from T20I captaincy after Gautam Gambhir took over as India's new head coach, post Rahul Dravid's resignation. With India winning the 2024 T20 World Cup last month, held in West Indies and USA, Rohit Sharma retired from the format. Given Hardik served as his deputy in the mega event and also led India in many games during Hitman's sabbatical from T20Is, the all-rounder was the obvious choice to take over but Gambhir, and BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar, named Suryakumar Yadav as the new skipper. They reasoned out that since Hardik has been injury-prone, they need a captain who is on the field and available for all games.</p>

<p>Recently, Ashish Nehra -- former Indian pacer -- opined on Hardik's T20I captaincy snub. Nehra, who has worked with Hardik in Gujarat Titans (GT) during IPL 2022-23, feels 'not surprised' with the decision. The ex-speedster further mentioned&nbsp;that such changes are uncommon and lauded Gambhir-Agarkar for communicating it all with Hardik.</p>

<p>Talking to Sports Tak, Nehra said, "No, I am not surprised. When it comes to cricket, these things keep happening. Yes, Hardik Pandya was vice-captain in the World Cup, but at the same time, there is a new coach who has come in. Every coach and every captain have different thoughts. At this time, his (Gambhir's) ideas are toward that direction."</p>

<p>He stated, "I think Ajit Agarkar and Gautam Gambhir have made it clear, that's good. He is playing one format, 50-over also, he is playing less. Hardik Pandya, in white-ball cricket, will remain a very, very important player for Indian cricket. When you have him, you can have 4 fast bowlers, he brings a different balance to the side and keeps in mind, that there's no impact player in international cricket."</p>

<p>"Not just Hardik Pandya, but when you have so many matches, there will be changes. Even Rishabh Pant has captained, KL Rahul has captained," Nehra reasoned.</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/i-would-actually-say-robin-uthappa-shares-his-take-on-hardik-pandya-being-snubbed-from-t20i-captaincy-743429">‘I would actually say...’: Robin Uthappa shares his take on Hardik Pandya being snubbed from T20I captaincy</a></strong></p>

<p>Hardik-Nehra&nbsp;were a successful captain-coach pair when GT were inducted into IPL in 2022. They won the championship in their maiden appearance and ended as runners-up in 2023 before Hardik moved to his former franchise Mumbai Indians (MI) ahead of IPL 2024. Following this, Shubman Gill took over and was named the new GT skipper. While he didn't have a desirable start, Gill was recently entrusted with captaincy during India's tour of Zimbabwe, where they won a five-match T20I series 4-1.</p>

<p>Despite some of his calls being criticised, Gill has been named India's white-ball vice-captain for the Sri Lanka tour, which starts on July 27 (Saturday). Nehra opened up on the youngster and said, "They have made Shubman Gill in not just one format but in all three formats. That means you are looking ahead."</p>

<p>The ODI World Cup winner added, "Shubman Gill is a work in progress. He is 24-25 years old now. He will get better as we go ahead. He has the desire to play all 3 formats, he has the heart to learn. He is not someone who thinks that whatever he is doing is right. He is not that kind of guy. Be it a youngster or an experienced player, he likes to have a discussion and learn."</p>


Hardik Pandya was snubbed from T20I captaincy after Gautam Gambhir took over as India's new head coach, post Rahul Dravid's resignation. With India winning the 2024 T20 World Cup last month, held in West Indies and USA, Rohit Sharma retired from the format.

Hardik Pandya was snubbed from T20I captaincy after Gautam Gambhir took over as India's new head coach, post Rahul Dravid's resignation. With India winning the 2024 T20 World Cup last month, held in West Indies and USA, Rohit Sharma retired from the format. Given Hardik served as his deputy in the mega event and also led India in many games during Hitman's sabbatical from T20Is, the all-rounder was the obvious choice to take over but Gambhir, and BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar, named Suryakumar Yadav as the new skipper. They reasoned out that since Hardik has been injury-prone, they need a captain who is on the field and available for all games. Recently, Ashish Nehra -- former Indian pacer -- opined on Hardik's T20I captaincy snub. Nehra, who has worked with Hardik in Gujarat Titans (GT) during IPL 2022-23, feels 'not surprised' with the decision. The ex-speedster further mentioned that such changes are uncommon and lauded Gambhir-Agarkar for communicating it all with Hardik. Talking to Sports Tak, Nehra said, "No, I am not surprised. When it comes to cricket, these things keep happening. Yes, Hardik Pandya was vice-captain in the World Cup, but at the same time, there is a new coach who has come in. Every coach and every captain have different thoughts. At this time, his (Gambhir's) ideas are toward that direction." He stated, "I think Ajit Agarkar and Gautam Gambhir have made it clear, that's good. He is playing one format, 50-over also, he is playing less. Hardik Pandya, in white-ball cricket, will remain a very, very important player for Indian cricket. When you have him, you can have 4 fast bowlers, he brings a different balance to the side and keeps in mind, that there's no impact player in international cricket." "Not just Hardik Pandya, but when you have so many matches, there will be changes. Even Rishabh Pant has captained, KL Rahul has captained," Nehra reasoned. Also read: ‘I would actually say...’: Robin Uthappa shares his take on Hardik Pandya being snubbed from T20I captaincy Hardik-Nehra were a successful captain-coach pair when GT were inducted into IPL in 2022. They won the championship in their maiden appearance and ended as runners-up in 2023 before Hardik moved to his former franchise Mumbai Indians (MI) ahead of IPL 2024. Following this, Shubman Gill took over and was named the new GT skipper. While he didn't have a desirable start, Gill was recently entrusted with captaincy during India's tour of Zimbabwe, where they won a five-match T20I series 4-1. Despite some of his calls being criticised, Gill has been named India's white-ball vice-captain for the Sri Lanka tour, which starts on July 27 (Saturday). Nehra opened up on the youngster and said, "They have made Shubman Gill in not just one format but in all three formats. That means you are looking ahead." The ODI World Cup winner added, "Shubman Gill is a work in progress. He is 24-25 years old now. He will get better as we go ahead. He has the desire to play all 3 formats, he has the heart to learn. He is not someone who thinks that whatever he is doing is right. He is not that kind of guy. Be it a youngster or an experienced player, he likes to have a discussion and learn."

'Not surprised': GT coach Ashish Nehra shares his take on Hardik Pandya's T20I captaincy snub

<p>Former Baroda team head coach Dav Whatmore has lashed out at India all-rounder Hardik Pandya for missing 'years of cricket' for his domestic team. Pandya, who was recently snubbed for India's T20I captaincy, plays for Baroda in India's domestic cricket tournaments.</p>

<p>"There's still some individuals who don't play white-ball cricket. For example, in my last few years in Baroda, Hardik Pandya wouldn't ever play white-ball cricket. It always amuses me that he's termed as the all-rounder from Baroda but he hasn't played for Baroda for years! So, yes, there are some who don't do that," Whatmore said on Pakistan-based YouTube channel Pak Passion.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/he-was-standing-on-the-balcony-mohammed-shamis-friend-reveals-pacer-contemplated-suicide-read-why-743579">'He was standing on the balcony...,' Mohammed Shami's friend reveals pacer contemplated suicide | Read Why</a></p>

<p>"But recently, I've seen that the BCCI have been keen that players participate in the Ranji Trophy as well as other two formats to ensure they see cricket as sports. Efforts are made to make sure 4-day cricket is not neglected," added Whatmore who coached Baroda for two seasons, in 2021-22 and 2022-23.</p>

<p>Most recently, Pandya has been asked to play in Vijay Hazare trophy (domestic 50-over tournament) to prove his fitness as an all-rounder. The direction came after Gautam Gambhir took over as India's new head coach following T20 World Cup 2024.</p>

<p>Hardik was sensational for India in the T20 WC, scoring 144 runs and taking 11 wickets as Rohit Sharma-led team lifted the trophy last month.</p>

<p>With Rohit, Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja announcing retirement post the World Cup glory, Hardik was in line to become the new T20I captain but was pipped by Suryakumar Yadav.</p>

<p>India chief selector Ajit Agarkar revealed later on that the all-rounder's fitness issues cost him the captaincy despite being more experienced than Surya.</p>

<p>Hardik got injured during India's 2023 ODI World Cup campaign and did not play any competitive cricket till Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 as Mumbai Indians skipper. He then took part in the T20 World Cup and played a pivotal role.</p>


Former Baroda team head coach Dav Whatmore has lashed out at India all-rounder Hardik Pandya for missing 'years of cricket' for his domestic team. Pandya, who was recently snubbed for India's T20I captaincy, plays for Baroda in India's domestic cricket tournaments.

Former Baroda team head coach Dav Whatmore has lashed out at India all-rounder Hardik Pandya for missing 'years of cricket' for his domestic team. Pandya, who was recently snubbed for India's T20I captaincy, plays for Baroda in India's domestic cricket tournaments. "There's still some individuals who don't play white-ball cricket. For example, in my last few years in Baroda, Hardik Pandya wouldn't ever play white-ball cricket. It always amuses me that he's termed as the all-rounder from Baroda but he hasn't played for Baroda for years! So, yes, there are some who don't do that," Whatmore said on Pakistan-based YouTube channel Pak Passion. Also Read: 'He was standing on the balcony...,' Mohammed Shami's friend reveals pacer contemplated suicide | Read Why "But recently, I've seen that the BCCI have been keen that players participate in the Ranji Trophy as well as other two formats to ensure they see cricket as sports. Efforts are made to make sure 4-day cricket is not neglected," added Whatmore who coached Baroda for two seasons, in 2021-22 and 2022-23. Most recently, Pandya has been asked to play in Vijay Hazare trophy (domestic 50-over tournament) to prove his fitness as an all-rounder. The direction came after Gautam Gambhir took over as India's new head coach following T20 World Cup 2024. Hardik was sensational for India in the T20 WC, scoring 144 runs and taking 11 wickets as Rohit Sharma-led team lifted the trophy last month. With Rohit, Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja announcing retirement post the World Cup glory, Hardik was in line to become the new T20I captain but was pipped by Suryakumar Yadav. India chief selector Ajit Agarkar revealed later on that the all-rounder's fitness issues cost him the captaincy despite being more experienced than Surya. Hardik got injured during India's 2023 ODI World Cup campaign and did not play any competitive cricket till Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 as Mumbai Indians skipper. He then took part in the T20 World Cup and played a pivotal role.

'Wouldn't ever play white-ball cricket,' Former Baroda coach slams Hardik Pandya for ignoring domestic team

<p>Former Indian opener Robin Uthappa has shared his opinion on Hardik Pandya losing T20I captaincy to Suryakumar Yadav. With Gautam Gambhir taking over from Rahul Dravid as the India head coach, his first big decision was to announce the new T20I skipper following Rohit Sharma's retirement after the 2024 T20 World Cup win. Gambhir and BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar named Suryakumar as the new captain and reasoned that they need a captain who can play all T20Is. With Hardik being injury-prone, he, thus, missed out on leading India in T20Is despite being the stand-in captain from late 2022-2023 during Rohit's sabbatical.</p>

<h2><strong>'If I'm 34-35 years old and I'm someone who's been injury-prone through my career...'</strong></h2>

<p>Recently, Uthappa -- winner of the 2007 T20 WC -- opened up and shared his take on Hardik not being appointed captain.&nbsp;During a virtual interaction organised by Sony Sports Network, Uthappa said,&nbsp;"If I were in Hardik's place, I would actually feel taken care of to a certain extent. Because within the Indian cricket ecosystem, a fast-bowling all-rounder is a very rare commodity.&nbsp;If I'm 34-35 years old and I'm someone who's been injury-prone through my career and a certain responsibility has been taken away from me with the mindset of extending my career and giving me the best chance to offer my services to my country for as long as possible, keeping that in view, I would actually say OK this is the best thing for me."</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/sometimes-its-just-bcci-chiefs-straightforward-reply-on-dropping-sanju-samson-from-odi-leg-of-sl-tour-743104">'Sometimes it’s just...,' BCCI chief's straightforward reply on dropping Sanju Samson from ODI leg of SL tour</a></strong></p>

<p>The former right-handed batter Uthappa pointed out, "Yes, leading India and leading a country is one of the greatest honours that any figure can ever imagine. I think, uh, the larger picture would be, can I serve my country for as long as possible and win as many world championships for my country as long as possible."</p>

<p>He further mentioned, "If you asked me between the two what I would pick as a human being, I would say, serving my country and winning as many World Cup championships, irrespective of whether I was a captain or whether I was just a player. "</p>

<p>Uthappa added, "Knowing Hardik Pandya on a certain level, I would say he'd be someone saying it's fine, their perspective is also right. They want a player of my quality and my caliber to be able to serve my country for as long as possible. And I would love to do that as well. I would love to do that in the white format, which I'm currently available for. I can leave whenever, whenever required. God forbid if Suryakumar Yadav has an injury. I'm available, and I'm playing a bunch of tournaments. The need ever requires I will always be available to lead my country, but I would love to serve my country in white-ball cricket."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hardik is part of the Surya-led Indian T20I team that&nbsp;will lock horns with Sri Lanka in a three-match T20I series starting on Saturday (July 27) in the island nation. India will also play three ODIs after the T20I leg with Rohit set to return and take charge.</p>


Former Indian opener Robin Uthappa has shared his opinion on Hardik Pandya losing T20I captaincy to Suryakumar Yadav. With Gautam Gambhir taking over from Rahul Dravid as the India head coach, his first big decision was to announce the new T20I skipper following Rohit Sharma's retirement after the 2024 T20 World Cup win.

Former Indian opener Robin Uthappa has shared his opinion on Hardik Pandya losing T20I captaincy to Suryakumar Yadav. With Gautam Gambhir taking over from Rahul Dravid as the India head coach, his first big decision was to announce the new T20I skipper following Rohit Sharma's retirement after the 2024 T20 World Cup win. Gambhir and BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar named Suryakumar as the new captain and reasoned that they need a captain who can play all T20Is. With Hardik being injury-prone, he, thus, missed out on leading India in T20Is despite being the stand-in captain from late 2022-2023 during Rohit's sabbatical. 'If I'm 34-35 years old and I'm someone who's been injury-prone through my career...' Recently, Uthappa -- winner of the 2007 T20 WC -- opened up and shared his take on Hardik not being appointed captain. During a virtual interaction organised by Sony Sports Network, Uthappa said, "If I were in Hardik's place, I would actually feel taken care of to a certain extent. Because within the Indian cricket ecosystem, a fast-bowling all-rounder is a very rare commodity. If I'm 34-35 years old and I'm someone who's been injury-prone through my career and a certain responsibility has been taken away from me with the mindset of extending my career and giving me the best chance to offer my services to my country for as long as possible, keeping that in view, I would actually say OK this is the best thing for me." Also read: 'Sometimes it’s just...,' BCCI chief's straightforward reply on dropping Sanju Samson from ODI leg of SL tour The former right-handed batter Uthappa pointed out, "Yes, leading India and leading a country is one of the greatest honours that any figure can ever imagine. I think, uh, the larger picture would be, can I serve my country for as long as possible and win as many world championships for my country as long as possible." He further mentioned, "If you asked me between the two what I would pick as a human being, I would say, serving my country and winning as many World Cup championships, irrespective of whether I was a captain or whether I was just a player. " Uthappa added, "Knowing Hardik Pandya on a certain level, I would say he'd be someone saying it's fine, their perspective is also right. They want a player of my quality and my caliber to be able to serve my country for as long as possible. And I would love to do that as well. I would love to do that in the white format, which I'm currently available for. I can leave whenever, whenever required. God forbid if Suryakumar Yadav has an injury. I'm available, and I'm playing a bunch of tournaments. The need ever requires I will always be available to lead my country, but I would love to serve my country in white-ball cricket." Hardik is part of the Surya-led Indian T20I team that will lock horns with Sri Lanka in a three-match T20I series starting on Saturday (July 27) in the island nation. India will also play three ODIs after the T20I leg with Rohit set to return and take charge.

‘I would actually say...’: Robin Uthappa shares his take on Hardik Pandya being snubbed from T20I captaincy

<p>India chief selector Ajit Agarkar has revealed that it was Hardik Pandya's fitness issue which saw Suryakumar Yadav being named India's T20I skipper. SKY replaces Rohit who retired from shortest format after recent T20 World Cup glory.</p>

<p>The dashing Mumbai batter was named the new T20I skipper ahead of India's white-ball tour of Sri Lanka and Agarkar made the comments at the press conference for the same.</p>

<p>"One of the main issues [discussed] was that you want a captain who's likely to play all the games," Agarkar said on Monday (Jul 22) in Mumbai.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ben-stokes-praises-record-breaker-bashir-as-england-climb-on-wtc-standings-after-series-win-over-wi-743048">Ben Stokes praises 'record-breaker' Bashir as England climb on WTC standings after series win over WI</a></p>

<p>"We want him (Hardik) to be the player he can be, because those sorts of skillsets are difficult to find. Fitness has been a challenge for him over the last few years. Then it (appointing Hardik captain and losing him to injury) becomes a bit difficult for the coach as well as the selectors. We have now got a bit more time till the next T20 World Cup where we can look at a few things. He's an important player and his performances are more important for us."</p>

<p>"His fitness is a challenge and we wanted someone who is available more often than not. Surya has the qualities you need to succeed as a captain. Two years is a bit more time to try and look at some things a bit differently. In this way we can manage Hardik better," Agarkar added.</p>

<p>The chief selector also referred to dressing room feedback on appointing Surya as the next skipper.</p>

<p>"Why Surya was made the captain, because he is one of the deserving candidates," the former India bowler said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"He's been around the group over the last year, we get feedback from the dressing room a lot. [He has a] good cricket brain, and [is] one of the best T20 batters in the world," he added.&nbsp;</p>


India chief selector Ajit Agarkar has revealed that it was Hardik Pandya's fitness issue which saw Suryakumar Yadav being named India's T20I skipper. SKY replaces Rohit who retired from shortest format after recent T20 World Cup glory.

India chief selector Ajit Agarkar has revealed that it was Hardik Pandya's fitness issue which saw Suryakumar Yadav being named India's T20I skipper. SKY replaces Rohit who retired from shortest format after recent T20 World Cup glory. The dashing Mumbai batter was named the new T20I skipper ahead of India's white-ball tour of Sri Lanka and Agarkar made the comments at the press conference for the same. "One of the main issues [discussed] was that you want a captain who's likely to play all the games," Agarkar said on Monday (Jul 22) in Mumbai. Also Read: Ben Stokes praises 'record-breaker' Bashir as England climb on WTC standings after series win over WI "We want him (Hardik) to be the player he can be, because those sorts of skillsets are difficult to find. Fitness has been a challenge for him over the last few years. Then it (appointing Hardik captain and losing him to injury) becomes a bit difficult for the coach as well as the selectors. We have now got a bit more time till the next T20 World Cup where we can look at a few things. He's an important player and his performances are more important for us." "His fitness is a challenge and we wanted someone who is available more often than not. Surya has the qualities you need to succeed as a captain. Two years is a bit more time to try and look at some things a bit differently. In this way we can manage Hardik better," Agarkar added. The chief selector also referred to dressing room feedback on appointing Surya as the next skipper. "Why Surya was made the captain, because he is one of the deserving candidates," the former India bowler said. "He's been around the group over the last year, we get feedback from the dressing room a lot. [He has a] good cricket brain, and [is] one of the best T20 batters in the world," he added.

'Becomes a bit difficult for...,' BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar on naming Surya as T20I skipper over Hardik

<p>Ace India all-rounder Hardik Pandya is not an automatic pick in the ODIs if he fails to pass the bowling fitness test in the 50-over format, per the selectors. A T20 WC winner, Pandya has impressed one and all with his performance in four-over spells; however, his absence from the ODIs and inability to complete ten overs in that format has kept the selectors worried.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With Team India only due to play six ODIs in the lead-up to the Champions Trophy 2025 (in February), the decision-makers will keep a close tab on Pandya’s bowling fitness.</p>

<p>Though the vice-captain for the marquee tournament in the USA, Pandya asked for rest from Sri Lanka ODIs, citing personal reasons, the selectors are keen to notice his performance in the domestic games.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking to the Times of India (TOI) in a chat, a source close to the information said, "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."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/player-retention-right-to-match-on-agenda-as-bcci-and-ipl-owners-to-meet-in-july-end-742780"><strong>Player retention, Right to Match on agenda as BCCI and IPL owners to meet in July en</strong>d</a></p>

<p>Meanwhile, the BCCI selectors and the newly-appointed India coach, Gautam Gambhir, were reluctant to continue with Pandya in the leadership role owing to his fitness concerns, thus deciding to hand over the T20I captaincy to star batter Suryakumar Yadav until the next major assignment in India and Sri Lanka in 2026.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Besides, the selectors have named Shubman Gill the new vice-captain in the ODIs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Hardik's batting has not been as explosive as it used to be. He played well in the T20 World Cup, but his true value comes through if he is bowling well and finishing his quota of overs. His last ODI was during the World Cup last year when he got injured. It means he would not have played ODIs for over a year. His workload needs to be monitored," the source continued.</p>

<h2>Injury – Hardik’s nemesis</h2>

<p>After he suffered a stress fracture in his back during the 2018 Asia Cup, Pandya failed to get back to being 100% for a longer duration. Several injuries, mainly concerning his back, kept reoccurring over the period.</p>

<p>Even during the 50-over World Cup last year, Pandya suffered an ankle injury during the Bangladesh game and was ruled out of the tournament. He returned five months later during IPL 2024, replacing Rohit Sharma as Mumbai Indians' new captain.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Ace India all-rounder Hardik Pandya is not an automatic pick in the ODIs if he fails to pass the bowling fitness test in the 50-over format, per the selectors. A T20 WC winner, Pandya has impressed one and all with his performance in four-over spells; however, his absence from the ODIs and inability to complete ten overs in that format has kept the selectors worried.

Ace India all-rounder Hardik Pandya is not an automatic pick in the ODIs if he fails to pass the bowling fitness test in the 50-over format, per the selectors. A T20 WC winner, Pandya has impressed one and all with his performance in four-over spells; however, his absence from the ODIs and inability to complete ten overs in that format has kept the selectors worried. With Team India only due to play six ODIs in the lead-up to the Champions Trophy 2025 (in February), the decision-makers will keep a close tab on Pandya’s bowling fitness. Though the vice-captain for the marquee tournament in the USA, Pandya asked for rest from Sri Lanka ODIs, citing personal reasons, the selectors are keen to notice his performance in the domestic games. Speaking to the Times of India (TOI) in a chat, a source close to the information said, "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." ALSO READ: Player retention, Right to Match on agenda as BCCI and IPL owners to meet in July end Meanwhile, the BCCI selectors and the newly-appointed India coach, Gautam Gambhir, were reluctant to continue with Pandya in the leadership role owing to his fitness concerns, thus deciding to hand over the T20I captaincy to star batter Suryakumar Yadav until the next major assignment in India and Sri Lanka in 2026. Besides, the selectors have named Shubman Gill the new vice-captain in the ODIs. "Hardik's batting has not been as explosive as it used to be. He played well in the T20 World Cup, but his true value comes through if he is bowling well and finishing his quota of overs. His last ODI was during the World Cup last year when he got injured. It means he would not have played ODIs for over a year. His workload needs to be monitored," the source continued. Injury – Hardik’s nemesis After he suffered a stress fracture in his back during the 2018 Asia Cup, Pandya failed to get back to being 100% for a longer duration. Several injuries, mainly concerning his back, kept reoccurring over the period. Even during the 50-over World Cup last year, Pandya suffered an ankle injury during the Bangladesh game and was ruled out of the tournament. He returned five months later during IPL 2024, replacing Rohit Sharma as Mumbai Indians' new captain. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Hardik Pandya is not an automatic pick in ODIs…’ – Selectors shift focus to all-rounder’s bowling fitness

<p>Suryakumar Yadav penned a heartfelt note on his social media handle upon being appointed Team India’s new T20I captain. Following the T20 World Cup win in the Americas, then-skipper Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from the format, thus relinquishing his T20I captaincy. And&nbsp;with Gautam Gambhir replacing Rahul Dravid as the new coach, the BCCI and the management decided to name Surya as the new captain until the next major assignment in India and Sri Lanka in 2026.</p>

<p>Given all-rounder Hardik Pandya’s injury-related past and that he was the vice-captain for the recently-concluded T20 WC, he was overlooked due to fitness concerns, as Gambhir wants a fully fit captain to lead India in the shortest format.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/shami-questions-kohli-shastri-tactics-in-2019-world-cup-sounds-clueless-over-snub-from-xi-despite-performance-742543">Shami questions Kohli-Shastri tactics in 2019 World Cup; sounds clueless over snub from XI despite performance</a></strong></p>

<p>Taking to his Instagram handle, Suryakumar wrote, “Thank you so much for outpouring love, support and best wishes from you. Last few weeks have been nothing short of a dream and I am truly grateful. 🧿Playing for the country is the most special feeling that I will never be able to describe in words. This new role brings with it, a lot of responsibility, excitement and enthusiasm. I hope to keep receiving your support and blessings.♥️ All fame reaches God, God is great 🙏"</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C9m7UtjIQXI/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C9m7UtjIQXI/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>

<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C9m7UtjIQXI/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C9m7UtjIQXI/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Surya Kumar Yadav (SKY) (@surya_14kumar)</a></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Suryakumar had become&nbsp;the talking point of the T20 WC-winning campaign for his stunning catch to dismiss David Miller during the final, resulting in India beating South Africa and lifting their second T20 WC title.</p>

<p>Though the ace India batter failed to score enough in the finale, that catch in the last over hogged all the limelight.</p>

<h2>New Team India ready for SL T20Is</h2>

<p>With the selection committee naming the T20I squad for the Sri Lanka series, SKY will lead the side, while Pandya, alongside Riyan Parag, Shivam Dube and Washington Sundar, is picked as the all-rounder.</p>

<p>Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal are the openers, while Sanju Samson and Rishabh Pant are the keeper batters. Axar Patel retained his place in the absence of now-retired Ravindra Jadeja, while Rinku Singh will play as a specialist finisher.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mohammed Siraj will lead the bowling attack, with Arshdeep Singh and Khaleel Ahmed named alongside lone spinner Ravi Bishnoi.</p>

<h3>Here is Team India’s squad for Sri Lanka T20Is –</h3>

<p>Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Shubman Gill (vice-captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rinku Singh, Riyan Parag, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sanju Samson (WK), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Khaleel Ahmed and Mohd. Siraj</p>

<p>Meanwhile, India will face Sri Lanka for three T20Is and as many ODIs, starting July 27.</p>


Suryakumar Yadav penned a heartfelt note on his social media handle upon being appointed Team India’s new T20I captain. Following the T20 World Cup win in the Americas, then-skipper Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from the format, thus relinquishing his T20I captaincy.

Suryakumar Yadav penned a heartfelt note on his social media handle upon being appointed Team India’s new T20I captain. Following the T20 World Cup win in the Americas, then-skipper Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from the format, thus relinquishing his T20I captaincy. And with Gautam Gambhir replacing Rahul Dravid as the new coach, the BCCI and the management decided to name Surya as the new captain until the next major assignment in India and Sri Lanka in 2026. Given all-rounder Hardik Pandya’s injury-related past and that he was the vice-captain for the recently-concluded T20 WC, he was overlooked due to fitness concerns, as Gambhir wants a fully fit captain to lead India in the shortest format. ALSO READ: Shami questions Kohli-Shastri tactics in 2019 World Cup; sounds clueless over snub from XI despite performance Taking to his Instagram handle, Suryakumar wrote, “Thank you so much for outpouring love, support and best wishes from you. Last few weeks have been nothing short of a dream and I am truly grateful. 🧿Playing for the country is the most special feeling that I will never be able to describe in words. This new role brings with it, a lot of responsibility, excitement and enthusiasm. I hope to keep receiving your support and blessings.♥️ All fame reaches God, God is great 🙏" View this post on Instagram A post shared by Surya Kumar Yadav (SKY) (@surya_14kumar) × Suryakumar had become the talking point of the T20 WC-winning campaign for his stunning catch to dismiss David Miller during the final, resulting in India beating South Africa and lifting their second T20 WC title. Though the ace India batter failed to score enough in the finale, that catch in the last over hogged all the limelight. New Team India ready for SL T20Is With the selection committee naming the T20I squad for the Sri Lanka series, SKY will lead the side, while Pandya, alongside Riyan Parag, Shivam Dube and Washington Sundar, is picked as the all-rounder. Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal are the openers, while Sanju Samson and Rishabh Pant are the keeper batters. Axar Patel retained his place in the absence of now-retired Ravindra Jadeja, while Rinku Singh will play as a specialist finisher. Mohammed Siraj will lead the bowling attack, with Arshdeep Singh and Khaleel Ahmed named alongside lone spinner Ravi Bishnoi. Here is Team India’s squad for Sri Lanka T20Is – Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Shubman Gill (vice-captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rinku Singh, Riyan Parag, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sanju Samson (WK), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Khaleel Ahmed and Mohd. Siraj Meanwhile, India will face Sri Lanka for three T20Is and as many ODIs, starting July 27.

Suryakumar Yadav reflects on T20I captaincy appointment - ‘Last few weeks have been nothing short of dream’

<p>After months of speculations, Indian cricketer Hardik Pandya and Serbian model and dancer Natsa Stankovic have announced their separation. The couple who married in 2020 share a four-year-old son Agastya.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
On Wednesday, a day before the couple announced their separation, Natasa was spotted at Mumbai's international airport with son Agastya leaving the city. Most speculated that she was heading back to her home in Serbia.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Back in 2020, when Hardik and Natasa announced their engagement, many fans were surprised. The two reportedly had met at a nightclub in Mumbai in 2018 and in 2019, Natasa had even called Hardik her best friend as she had wished him on social media.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
At that time, Hardik was a young talent in the Indian cricket team - who everyone was excited to watch play. A flamboyant personality off the field, Hardik was paired to other women as well. But his elaborate proposal to Natasa on a yacht in Dubai on January 1, 2020, had surprised his fans.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, Natasa too was a known face in the entertainment industry when she was first linked to Hardik Pandya.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Early beginnings</h2>

<p>Born in March 1992 in Serbia, Natasa started her career as a model and moved to India to make a name for herself in glamour. She first featured in a special song in Prakash Jha's Satyagraha. She then featured in multiple ad campaigns. Natasa shot to fame when she featured in the music of chart-topping number <em>DJ Waley Babu&nbsp;</em>by Badshah and Aastha Gill.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
<strong>Reality shows and relationship with Aly Goni</strong><br />
<br />
Natasa also featured in the eighth season of Bigg Boss in 2014 and was inside the house for a month before she got eliminated. Her stint, though was successful and made her a well-known face on TV. She also featured in the dance reality show Nach Baliye along with her then-boyfriend, actor Aly Goni.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Aly and Natasa were briefly engaged before they broke up. Soon after, she was linked to Hardik Pandya. The exact reason for separating from Aly Goni was never disclosed but reports stated that Natasa and Aly grew apart due to cultural differences.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Three weddings</strong><br />
<br />
Natasa and Hardik had a lockdown wedding in May 2020. The same year, they welcomed the birth of their son Agastya. On February 14, 2023, Hardik and Natasa renewed their vows and remarried again. This time in a Hindu as well as a Christian ceremony. The pair also hosted a lavish bash at a luxury hotel in Udaipur.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>Separation rumours</strong><br />
<br />
Rumours of their separation started doing the rounds earlier this year when Natasa dropped 'Pandya' from her name on social media. A Reddit user also questioned her absence from IPL 2024. Natasa was seen cheering for Hardik in the previous seasons. Fans also noticed that she had not posted Hardik's photo in a while.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>'We tried our best'&nbsp;</strong><br />
<br />
On Thursday, the couple announced that they have decided to "mutually part ways" in an Instagram post. The couple said that they "tried their best" and "gave it their all" before taking the tough decision.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The couple also announced that they will continue to co-parent their son Agastya.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/indian-all-rounder-hardik-pandya-wife-natasa-stankovic-mutually-part-ways-742146">Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya, wife Natasa Stankovic 'mutually' part ways</a></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C9kcd9ItcKT/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C9kcd9ItcKT/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>

<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C9kcd9ItcKT/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C9kcd9ItcKT/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by @natasastankovic__</a></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>"After 4 years of being together, Natasa and I have decided to mutually part ways. we tried our best together and gave it our all, and we believe this is in the best interest for both of us. This was a touch decision for us to make, given the joy, mutual respect and companionship we enjoyed together and as we grew a family," the post read.&nbsp;</p>


After months of speculations, Indian cricketer Hardik Pandya and Serbian model and dancer Natsa Stankovic have announced their separation. The couple who married in 2020 share a four-year-old son Agastya.

After months of speculations, Indian cricketer Hardik Pandya and Serbian model and dancer Natsa Stankovic have announced their separation. The couple who married in 2020 share a four-year-old son Agastya. On Wednesday, a day before the couple announced their separation, Natasa was spotted at Mumbai's international airport with son Agastya leaving the city. Most speculated that she was heading back to her home in Serbia. Back in 2020, when Hardik and Natasa announced their engagement, many fans were surprised. The two reportedly had met at a nightclub in Mumbai in 2018 and in 2019, Natasa had even called Hardik her best friend as she had wished him on social media. At that time, Hardik was a young talent in the Indian cricket team - who everyone was excited to watch play. A flamboyant personality off the field, Hardik was paired to other women as well. But his elaborate proposal to Natasa on a yacht in Dubai on January 1, 2020, had surprised his fans. Meanwhile, Natasa too was a known face in the entertainment industry when she was first linked to Hardik Pandya. Early beginnings Born in March 1992 in Serbia, Natasa started her career as a model and moved to India to make a name for herself in glamour. She first featured in a special song in Prakash Jha's Satyagraha. She then featured in multiple ad campaigns. Natasa shot to fame when she featured in the music of chart-topping number DJ Waley Babu by Badshah and Aastha Gill. Reality shows and relationship with Aly Goni Natasa also featured in the eighth season of Bigg Boss in 2014 and was inside the house for a month before she got eliminated. Her stint, though was successful and made her a well-known face on TV. She also featured in the dance reality show Nach Baliye along with her then-boyfriend, actor Aly Goni. Aly and Natasa were briefly engaged before they broke up. Soon after, she was linked to Hardik Pandya. The exact reason for separating from Aly Goni was never disclosed but reports stated that Natasa and Aly grew apart due to cultural differences. Three weddings Natasa and Hardik had a lockdown wedding in May 2020. The same year, they welcomed the birth of their son Agastya. On February 14, 2023, Hardik and Natasa renewed their vows and remarried again. This time in a Hindu as well as a Christian ceremony. The pair also hosted a lavish bash at a luxury hotel in Udaipur. Separation rumours Rumours of their separation started doing the rounds earlier this year when Natasa dropped 'Pandya' from her name on social media. A Reddit user also questioned her absence from IPL 2024. Natasa was seen cheering for Hardik in the previous seasons. Fans also noticed that she had not posted Hardik's photo in a while. 'We tried our best' On Thursday, the couple announced that they have decided to "mutually part ways" in an Instagram post. The couple said that they "tried their best" and "gave it their all" before taking the tough decision. The couple also announced that they will continue to co-parent their son Agastya. Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya, wife Natasa Stankovic 'mutually' part ways View this post on Instagram A post shared by @natasastankovic__ × "After 4 years of being together, Natasa and I have decided to mutually part ways. we tried our best together and gave it our all, and we believe this is in the best interest for both of us. This was a touch decision for us to make, given the joy, mutual respect and companionship we enjoyed together and as we grew a family," the post read.

Who is Natasa Stankovic? Here's what we know about Hardik Pandya's estranged wife

<p>Indian Army on Friday (Jul 19) stated that two terrorists killed recently in the Keran sector of north Kashmir's Kupwara district, along the Line of Control (LoC), were foreigners.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The terrorists were neutralised on Thursday (Jul 18) around noon when the troops observed them through thick&nbsp;foliage on the Indian side of LoC.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>“On 17 July, a credible input was received from JKP, further corroborated by intelligence agencies, regarding a group of foreign terrorists likely to infiltrate through Keran Sector," an army spokesman said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After spotting the rogue elements, shots were fired&nbsp;between the two sides, leading to an intense fight. Two terrorists were killed as the army recovered weapons and a Pakistani identity card from them.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“This was the third such successful anti infiltration operation on the Line of Control over the last few weeks and underscores the Indian Army’s unwavering commitment to maintain the sanctity of the Line of Control and the robust counter-infiltration posture towards maintaining peace in Kashmir Valley,” the spokesman added.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas | Another terror attack in Jammu, one jawan injured</strong></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" data-gtm-yt-inspected-17="true" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-breaking-another-terror-attack-in-jammu-one-jawan-injured-731220/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<h2><strong>Over 70 to 80 foreign terrorists</strong></h2>

<p>According to Jammu and Kashmir Police, there are around 70 to 80 active foreign terrorists in the Union Territory and a fresh batch of 25-20 terrorists have recently infiltrated the region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Up until a few years ago, terrorists targeted Kashmir Valley and made it the epicentre of their terror operations. However, they had seemingly changed their strategy now by making Jammu a hub of their activities.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/how-terrorists-are-shifting-gears-with-focus-on-jammu-as-hotbed-of-terror-742092"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;India: How terrorists are shifting gears with focus on Jammu as hotbed of terror</strong></a></p>

<p>Around 51 Indian security personnel have lost their lives in the Union territory since June 2021. The&nbsp;terrorists are continuously targeting security forces in Poonch, Rajouri, Kathua, Reasi, Doda, and Udhampur districts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Thursday, a live grenade was found on the rooftop of a government building in the Poonch district. A bomb disposal squad was called after the bomb's discovery triggered panic and fear among residents of the government quarters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"My kids kept telling me that something was on the terrace and when I went to check, I saw that an object was lying in the corner. My younger son said that he found the object suspicious," a resident of Gulfam told news agency <em>PTI</em>.</p>

<p>The security agencies suspect that the grenade was thrown by a terrorist which fortunately did not explode. The bomb disposal experts defused the grenade while an investigation was&nbsp;launched into the matter.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Indian Army on Friday (Jul 19) stated that two terrorists killed recently in the Keran sector of north Kashmir's Kupwara district, along the Line of Control (LoC), were foreigners.

Indian Army on Friday (Jul 19) stated that two terrorists killed recently in the Keran sector of north Kashmir's Kupwara district, along the Line of Control (LoC), were foreigners. The terrorists were neutralised on Thursday (Jul 18) around noon when the troops observed them through thick foliage on the Indian side of LoC. “On 17 July, a credible input was received from JKP, further corroborated by intelligence agencies, regarding a group of foreign terrorists likely to infiltrate through Keran Sector," an army spokesman said. After spotting the rogue elements, shots were fired between the two sides, leading to an intense fight. Two terrorists were killed as the army recovered weapons and a Pakistani identity card from them. “This was the third such successful anti infiltration operation on the Line of Control over the last few weeks and underscores the Indian Army’s unwavering commitment to maintain the sanctity of the Line of Control and the robust counter-infiltration posture towards maintaining peace in Kashmir Valley,” the spokesman added. Also watch | Gravitas | Another terror attack in Jammu, one jawan injured Over 70 to 80 foreign terrorists According to Jammu and Kashmir Police, there are around 70 to 80 active foreign terrorists in the Union Territory and a fresh batch of 25-20 terrorists have recently infiltrated the region. Up until a few years ago, terrorists targeted Kashmir Valley and made it the epicentre of their terror operations. However, they had seemingly changed their strategy now by making Jammu a hub of their activities. Also read | India: How terrorists are shifting gears with focus on Jammu as hotbed of terror Around 51 Indian security personnel have lost their lives in the Union territory since June 2021. The terrorists are continuously targeting security forces in Poonch, Rajouri, Kathua, Reasi, Doda, and Udhampur districts. On Thursday, a live grenade was found on the rooftop of a government building in the Poonch district. A bomb disposal squad was called after the bomb's discovery triggered panic and fear among residents of the government quarters. "My kids kept telling me that something was on the terrace and when I went to check, I saw that an object was lying in the corner. My younger son said that he found the object suspicious," a resident of Gulfam told news agency PTI. The security agencies suspect that the grenade was thrown by a terrorist which fortunately did not explode. The bomb disposal experts defused the grenade while an investigation was launched into the matter. (With inputs from agencies)

'He has to play Vijay Hazare Trophy': Gautam Gambhir asks Hardik Pandya to prove fitness after captaincy snub

<p>In her first post since announcing her divorce from Indian cricketer Hardik Pandya, the Serbian dancer and model Nataša Stanković gave glimpses of her self-care day, which involved going to the gym, spending time with her son Agastya, eating watermelon, and enjoying a bike ride. Taking to her Instagram stories, she shared photos of her fun day with her son.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A day prior,&nbsp;Nataša took to Instagram&nbsp;to share a public statement on her divorce with Hardik. She wrote, "After 4 years of being together, Natasa and I have decided to mutually part ways. We tried our best together and gave it our all, and we believe this is in the best interest for the both of us. This was a tough decision for us to make, given the joy, mutual respect and companionship we enjoyed together and as we grew a family."</p>

<p>The statement further read, "We are blessed with Agastya, who will continue to be at the centre of both our lives and we will co-parent to ensure that we give him everything that we can for his happiness. We sincerely request your support and understanding to give us the privacy during this difficult and sensitive time."</p>

<p><img alt="jkk" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9a696d05-e16a-4dc2-b08f-d87598906d7e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Screenshot%202024-07-19%20163532.png" /></p>

<p><img alt="ll" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bc5a8ece-6e98-4eee-ba60-a9e320e043e4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Screenshot%202024-07-19%20163553.png" /></p>

<p><img alt="ll" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="171ce8ed-0b97-487e-8e07-c479c9173ac9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Screenshot%202024-07-19%20163603.png" /></p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/taylor-swifts-stalker-nabbed-by-police-at-germany-concert-742337">Taylor Swift's stalker nabbed by police at Germany concert</a></strong></p>

<p>The couple tied the knot in 2020. They welcomed their son the same year in July. Last year in February, they renewed their vows in Udaipur.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rumours of their separation have been doing rounds for a while now. Her absence from IPL 2024 further fuelled the speculations. Earlier, she also removed Pandya's surname from her social media handles and didn't post about him even on special occasions.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, a video from the day of their wedding is going viral. It shows the Indian cricketer saying that it takes "patience to live with Natasa".</p>

<p>He added, “The way she gave me warmth, I started getting more solutions because she taught me how to find solutions. That learning in my love life taught me to achieve more and more in life. I also became more patient because it takes a lot of patience to live with Natasa.”</p>


In her first post since announcing her divorce from Indian cricketer Hardik Pandya, the Serbian dancer and model Nataša Stanković gave glimpses of her self-care day, which involved going to the gym, spending time with her son Agastya, eating watermelon, and enjoying a bike ride.

In her first post since announcing her divorce from Indian cricketer Hardik Pandya, the Serbian dancer and model Nataša Stanković gave glimpses of her self-care day, which involved going to the gym, spending time with her son Agastya, eating watermelon, and enjoying a bike ride. Taking to her Instagram stories, she shared photos of her fun day with her son. A day prior, Nataša took to Instagram to share a public statement on her divorce with Hardik. She wrote, "After 4 years of being together, Natasa and I have decided to mutually part ways. We tried our best together and gave it our all, and we believe this is in the best interest for the both of us. This was a tough decision for us to make, given the joy, mutual respect and companionship we enjoyed together and as we grew a family." The statement further read, "We are blessed with Agastya, who will continue to be at the centre of both our lives and we will co-parent to ensure that we give him everything that we can for his happiness. We sincerely request your support and understanding to give us the privacy during this difficult and sensitive time." Also read: Taylor Swift's stalker nabbed by police at Germany concert The couple tied the knot in 2020. They welcomed their son the same year in July. Last year in February, they renewed their vows in Udaipur. Rumours of their separation have been doing rounds for a while now. Her absence from IPL 2024 further fuelled the speculations. Earlier, she also removed Pandya's surname from her social media handles and didn't post about him even on special occasions. Meanwhile, a video from the day of their wedding is going viral. It shows the Indian cricketer saying that it takes "patience to live with Natasa". He added, “The way she gave me warmth, I started getting more solutions because she taught me how to find solutions. That learning in my love life taught me to achieve more and more in life. I also became more patient because it takes a lot of patience to live with Natasa.”

Nataša Stanković prioritises self-care a day after announcing separation from Hardik Pandya

<p>Indian all-rounder and T20 World Cup hero Hardik Pandya has separated from his wife Natasa Stankovic. Pandya&nbsp;made the announcement in a&nbsp;post on his Instagram handle on Thursday (July 18). The post&nbsp;confirmed the rift between the couple&nbsp;which has been&nbsp;a big talking point in recent months. The separation ended the four-year relationship between Pandya and Stankovic who welcomed their son, Agastya in July 2020.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C9kcSrhTp5J/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C9kcSrhTp5J/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>

<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C9kcSrhTp5J/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C9kcSrhTp5J/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Hardik Himanshu Pandya (@hardikpandya93)</a></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2><strong>Hardik Pandya announces separation</strong></h2>

<p>“After four years of being together, Natasa and I have decided to mutually part ways. We tried our best together and gave it our all, and we believe this is in the best interest for both of us. This was a tough decision for us to make, given the joy, mutual respect and companionship we enjoyed together and as we grew a family,” Pandya wrote on his Instagram.</p>

<p>“We are blessed with Agastya, who will continue to be at the centre of both our lives and we will co-parent to ensure that we give him everything that we can for happiness,” he added.</p>

<p>The relationship between the pair was a big talking point in recent months with several&nbsp;reports&nbsp;speculating&nbsp;about their&nbsp;separation. However, nothing was confirmed until Thursday. The couple&nbsp;was&nbsp;living separately in Mumbai with Stankovic spotted at different places without her husband Pandya, fuelling said&nbsp;speculations.</p>

<p>During the T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the USA, Pandya had hinted at the rift as he was seen emotional after winning the tournament. He spoke on how difficult the last six months had been to him in the build-up to the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the T20 World Cup.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/india-tour-of-sri-lanka-suryakumar-yadav-confirmed-as-new-t20i-captain-rohit-virat-to-play-in-odis-742120">India tour of Sri Lanka: Suryakumar Yadav confirmed as new T20I captain; Rohit, Virat to play in ODIs</a></p>

<p>“It means a lot. Very emotional, we’d been working very hard and something was not clicking. But today we got what the whole nation wanted. Special for me after my six months, I haven’t spoken a word, things have been unfair, but I knew there’d be a time I could shine. An opportunity like this makes it all the more special,” Pandya stated after winning the T20 World Cup.</p>

<p>Earlier in the day, Pandya was also dropped from India’s vice-captain role having been succeded by Shubman Gill. He was the vice-captain of the Indian side during the T20 World Cup but will no longer serve in the role, instead, Gill will take charge in both T20I and ODI formats. &nbsp;</p>


Indian all-rounder and T20 World Cup hero Hardik Pandya has separated from his wife Natasa Stankovic. Pandya made the announcement in a post on his Instagram handle on Thursday (July 18).

Indian all-rounder and T20 World Cup hero Hardik Pandya has separated from his wife Natasa Stankovic. Pandya made the announcement in a post on his Instagram handle on Thursday (July 18). The post confirmed the rift between the couple which has been a big talking point in recent months. The separation ended the four-year relationship between Pandya and Stankovic who welcomed their son, Agastya in July 2020. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hardik Himanshu Pandya (@hardikpandya93) × Hardik Pandya announces separation “After four years of being together, Natasa and I have decided to mutually part ways. We tried our best together and gave it our all, and we believe this is in the best interest for both of us. This was a tough decision for us to make, given the joy, mutual respect and companionship we enjoyed together and as we grew a family,” Pandya wrote on his Instagram. “We are blessed with Agastya, who will continue to be at the centre of both our lives and we will co-parent to ensure that we give him everything that we can for happiness,” he added. The relationship between the pair was a big talking point in recent months with several reports speculating about their separation. However, nothing was confirmed until Thursday. The couple was living separately in Mumbai with Stankovic spotted at different places without her husband Pandya, fuelling said speculations. During the T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the USA, Pandya had hinted at the rift as he was seen emotional after winning the tournament. He spoke on how difficult the last six months had been to him in the build-up to the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the T20 World Cup. ALSO READ | India tour of Sri Lanka: Suryakumar Yadav confirmed as new T20I captain; Rohit, Virat to play in ODIs “It means a lot. Very emotional, we’d been working very hard and something was not clicking. But today we got what the whole nation wanted. Special for me after my six months, I haven’t spoken a word, things have been unfair, but I knew there’d be a time I could shine. An opportunity like this makes it all the more special,” Pandya stated after winning the T20 World Cup. Earlier in the day, Pandya was also dropped from India’s vice-captain role having been succeded by Shubman Gill. He was the vice-captain of the Indian side during the T20 World Cup but will no longer serve in the role, instead, Gill will take charge in both T20I and ODI formats.

Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya, wife Natasa Stankovic 'mutually' part ways

<p>India is expected to get a new T20I captain on Thursday (July 18) after BCCI selection committee's meeting for the upcoming Sri Lanka tour, starting on July 27. With Rohit Sharma retiring from the format after India's 2024 T20 World Cup win, last month, a new T20I captain is set to be named not only for the SL tour but until 2026 T20 WC, at home. Murmurs are that there is a split decision among the board officials, new head coach Gautam Gambhir and the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee with regard to&nbsp;the new captain. While Hardik Pandya has served as the vice-captain and even led India on many occasions in Rohit's absence, it is reported that Gambhir and Agarkar are in favour of Suryakumar Yadav.</p>

<p>Gambhir, who was appointed as India's head coach early this month, was part of an informal call with BCCI officials and the selection committee on Tuesday evening (July 16) regarding India's roadmap ahead. It is learnt that it was during the call Gambhir and Agarkar were in favour of Surya becoming the next T20I captain over Hardik. It is understood that Gambhir didn't directly put forward Surya's name but stated that he would prefer working with a captain whose workload management isn't a concern. Notably, Hardik has had several fitness concerns in the recent past, thereby shifting things in Surya's favour (who is India's third-highest run-getter in T20Is).</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/gambhir-agarkar-inform-hardik-about-last-minute-captaincy-change-as-surya-to-be-indias-t20i-captain-report-741707">Gambhir, Agarkar inform Hardik about last-minute captaincy change as Surya to be India's T20I captain: Report</a></strong></p>

<p>“Although Gambhir did not directly pitch for Surya in the call, he made it amply clear that he would want to work with a captain whose workload does not become a stumbling block. Agarkar was clear with his views,” a BCCI official told Hindustan Times.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the selection committee is tilted towards Hardik due to him being the World Cup-winning vice-captain. In addition, the all-rounder made 144 runs and picked up 11 wickets in India's victorious campaign, after injury woes and a poor run in IPL 2024 (where he led Mumbai Indians). It is believed that Gambhir and Agarkar have already updated Hardik about the latest developments.</p>

<p>The announcement is expected to happen later in the day after the meeting between BCCI officials, selectors and head coach (which was put off by a day).</p>

<p>India will travel to Sri Lanka for three ODIs and T20Is each. While Rohit is expected to be available for the ODI leg, KL Rahul may lead in case the former misses out. Meanwhile, Surya is likely to take charge of the T20I team, on a permanent basis till 2026.</p>


India is expected to get a new T20I captain on Thursday (July 18) after BCCI selection committee's meeting for the upcoming Sri Lanka tour, starting on July 27. With Rohit Sharma retiring from the format after India's 2024 T20 World Cup win, last month, a new T20I captain is set to be named not only for the SL tour but until 2026 T20 WC, at home.

India is expected to get a new T20I captain on Thursday (July 18) after BCCI selection committee's meeting for the upcoming Sri Lanka tour, starting on July 27. With Rohit Sharma retiring from the format after India's 2024 T20 World Cup win, last month, a new T20I captain is set to be named not only for the SL tour but until 2026 T20 WC, at home. Murmurs are that there is a split decision among the board officials, new head coach Gautam Gambhir and the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee with regard to the new captain. While Hardik Pandya has served as the vice-captain and even led India on many occasions in Rohit's absence, it is reported that Gambhir and Agarkar are in favour of Suryakumar Yadav. Gambhir, who was appointed as India's head coach early this month, was part of an informal call with BCCI officials and the selection committee on Tuesday evening (July 16) regarding India's roadmap ahead. It is learnt that it was during the call Gambhir and Agarkar were in favour of Surya becoming the next T20I captain over Hardik. It is understood that Gambhir didn't directly put forward Surya's name but stated that he would prefer working with a captain whose workload management isn't a concern. Notably, Hardik has had several fitness concerns in the recent past, thereby shifting things in Surya's favour (who is India's third-highest run-getter in T20Is). Also read: Gambhir, Agarkar inform Hardik about last-minute captaincy change as Surya to be India's T20I captain: Report “Although Gambhir did not directly pitch for Surya in the call, he made it amply clear that he would want to work with a captain whose workload does not become a stumbling block. Agarkar was clear with his views,” a BCCI official told Hindustan Times. However, the selection committee is tilted towards Hardik due to him being the World Cup-winning vice-captain. In addition, the all-rounder made 144 runs and picked up 11 wickets in India's victorious campaign, after injury woes and a poor run in IPL 2024 (where he led Mumbai Indians). It is believed that Gambhir and Agarkar have already updated Hardik about the latest developments. The announcement is expected to happen later in the day after the meeting between BCCI officials, selectors and head coach (which was put off by a day). India will travel to Sri Lanka for three ODIs and T20Is each. While Rohit is expected to be available for the ODI leg, KL Rahul may lead in case the former misses out. Meanwhile, Surya is likely to take charge of the T20I team, on a permanent basis till 2026.

‘Gambhir didn’t pitch Suryakumar's name but said he won't work with…': BCCI official on India's T20I captaincy

hardik-pandya

Hardik Pandya, News on Hardik Pandya, stories on Hardik Pandya, articles on Hardik Pandya, Hardik Pandya stories at Wion, Hardik Pandya news, Hardik Pandya latest news