India all-rounder Hardik Pandya continues to be at the center of criticism. After much debate over his place in the Indian team for the T20 World Cup 2024, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) selection committee awarded him a role in the 15-man squad for the showpiece event, despite poor form in IPL 2024. In fact, Hardik was also named the vice-captain of the team, a decision that hasn’t gone down well with former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan. Aiming a fresh attack at Hardik, Irfan questioned the BCCI over the exceptions that the board made for the Mumbai Indians captain.

Irfan even pointed out the Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan scenario where the duo were forced out of the Indian team until they proved themselves in domestic cricket. However, no such measure was opted for Hardik who also remained away from domestic cricket before making a return to the Indian team.

“Previously, Hardik Pandya held the captaincy, but Rohit Sharma took over for T20 matches. Post T20 World Cup, there was a new plan; they aimed for a younger team with Pandya and Surya as potential captains. Yet, questions arise regarding Pandya’s performance consistency and commitment to Indian cricket.

“Regular participation in domestic cricket is essential for serving Indian cricket throughout the year. Injuries are inevitable, but proper planning involving consistent match play, including domestic cricket, is vital for a player’s return. But then there’s this one player who returns from injury without fulfilling the same requirements,” Pathan told Star Sports.

“That shouldn’t happen because it sends the wrong message to the rest of the team. When they see one player receiving special treatment, it disrupts the team environment. Cricket isn’t like tennis; it’s a team sport where equality is vital. Every player should be treated fairly and equally. Regardless of whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned player like Rohit Sharma or Virat Kohli, cricket is a team sport first and foremost. I’ve witnessed things in the past, particularly during the T20 World Cup last year, that went against the principles of Indian cricket-instances where certain players were given undue advantage, which is unacceptable,” the former India all-rounder who is working as a commentator in the IPL added.

Irfan also questioned the BCCI’s decision to award Hardik the team’s vice-captaincy, suggesting Jasprit Bumrah would’ve been a better option for the role.

“To succeed in tournaments like the World Cup, it’s imperative that every player is treated fairly and equally. So, now, coming back to your question about Hardik Pandya being vice-captain, I understand the rationale behind it due to the importance of continuity in leadership. However, considering the current performance, the selectors opting for continuity may be understandable. Yet, I believe someone like Bumrah wouldn’t have been a bad choice either,” Pathan concluded.