Ajit Agarkar explains why Hardik was denied India's T20I captaincy

India head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar have let in an insight into why Hardik Pandya has not been given a leadership role in the India squad for the upcoming T20I and ODI tour to Sri Lanka. The most notable headline of Gambhir's first India squad was that Suryakumar Yadav had been promoted to captaincy of the team in shortest format, while Hardik Pandya was not even made the vice-captain in any format. Agarkar hinted that Pandya's demotion was to do with his fitness concerns.

"As far as Hardik is concerned, fitness has been something that he's struggled with. As selectors, it becomes difficult then. The thought behind it was that we want someone (as captain) who is likely to be available more," said Agarkar, as him and Gambhir appeared in a press conference, the latter's first as India head coach.

Agarkar emphasised that Hardik remains a key player for Team India, with his all-round skillset.

"He (Pandya) is still a very important player. And that's what we want him to be, those skillsets are hard to find," added Agarkar.