The chairman of the selection committee, Ajit Agarkar, and India’s new head coach Gautam Gambhir addressed a press conference in Mumbai before their departure to Sri Lanka for the upcoming white-ball series. Agarkar has clarified the reasoning behind certain key decisions taken ahead of India’s forthcoming white-ball tour of Sri Lanka.

One of the biggest highlights from the Indian squad that was picked for the Sri Lanka series was the appointment of Surya as the T20I captain ahead of Hardik, India’s designated Vice-captain in the past year or so. Hardik has led the T20I side in the absence of Rohit and has been the deputy to Rohit since his comeback. There were speculations that Hardik’s fitness was the reason for him being overlooked by the leadership role.

“Obviously, you want a captain who is likely to play all the games. We think he’s [Suryakumar Yadav] a deserving candidate, over time we’ll see how he develops into the role,” Agarkar said.

“As regards to Hardik, he’s still a very important player for us. That’s what we want, him to be the player that can be. Those sorts of skillsets are very difficult to find, what he has. Fitness obviously has been a challenge for him over the last few years and that then becomes a little bit more difficult for a coach or even us selectors…

“We’ve got a bit more time till the next T20 World Cup where we can look at a few things and it’s not rushed at the moment. We want him… like I said, he’s an important player for us and hopefully, his performances are more important. I mean fitness is a clear challenge and we want someone who is likely to be available more often than not. Again, after saying all that, I think Surya has got the necessary qualities you need to succeed as a captain,” explained Agarkar.

Speaking about Ravindra Jadeja’s place in the ODI side, Agarkar made it clear that the veteran all-rounder hasn’t been dropped, but is being managed, given the packed red-ball schedule that lies ahead. Jadeja did not find a place in the ODI squad, which drove speculations about his place in the side.

“We know what Jaddu has done. He’s had a terrific 50-over World Cup. No, [he is] not at all dropped. All options are open,” he said. Either of them [Jadeja or Axar Patel] wouldn’t have played all three games if we’d taken both. There’s a big Test season coming up, where he’s likely to feature in a lot of the Tests. I don’t think three games would have mattered. I think we probably should have clarified after the selection that he’s not been dropped. He’s within the scheme of things and very important as a player,” said Agarkar.

India will play Sri Lanka in a 3-match T20I series, starting on the 27th of July which will be followed by 3 ODIs. The India side alongside support staff will leave for Sri Lanka on Monday afternoon.