Ashish Nehra has been behind Hardik Pandya‘s growth in cricket. He taught the all-rounder leadership skills during their association at Gujarat Titans. Hardik led GT to the IPL title in 2022, and the franchise once again made it to the final in 2023 but lost to CSK.

Pandya left the franchise to rejoin the Mumbai Indians. However, it was not a happy homecoming as he flopped as a skipper and player. The star player picked himself up in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 and played a crucial role in India’s triumph.

Despite his all-round display, new head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector didn’t appoint him T20I captain after Rohit Sharma’s retirement. They have given the responsibility to Suryakumar Yadav.

Meanwhile, Ashish Nehra is not surprised with the move.

“I am not surprised, as such things are part and parcel of the game. Hardik was the vice-captain in the World Cup, but now India have a new coach, and he thinks differently,” Nehra told India Today’s sister channel, SportsTak.

“Agarkar and Gambhir have made things clear. Hardik is playing just one format, and he isn’t featured regularly in ODIs. He will be a crucial player in white-ball cricket. When he is there on the team, you can pick four specialist bowlers. He adds a different balance to the side.

“It is not only about Hardik. When you have so many matches lined up, you will see changes. Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul have led India in the past.”

Meanwhile, Ashish Nehra also welcomed the decision to appoint Shubman Gill as vice-captain in white-ball formats.

“Shubman Gill plays all formats, and it shows the management is looking ahead. He is a work in progress and will get better with time. Gill has a habit of learning and doesn’t think he is right all the time.”

The T20I series between India and Sri Lanka will start on July 27.