Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya shared a heart-warming moment with a fan before he left for the white-ball series against Sri Lanka. After the T20 World Cup 2024 tr iumph, Pandya has seen tough moments in his personal and professional life. The Gujarat-born all-rounder was removed as the Indian vice-captain from the ODI and T20I formats.
Further, Pandya was even slated to lead Team India in the shortest format. But as the squad for the Sri Lanka tour was announced, the all-rounder was given no leadership roles. Then in his personal life, Hardik Pandya took to his social media and announced he was separated from his wife Natasa Stankovic.
After these significant moments, as Hardik Pandya was leaving for Sri Lanka from the Mumbai International Airport when he was spotted interacting with a fan after which he shared a heartwarming hug with the supporter. The video of the incident was shared by IANS.
Fitness has been a challenge: Ajit Agarkar on Hardik Pandya
Explaining why Suryakumar Kumar replaced Hardik Pandya, chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar cited the all-rounder’s fitness as a concern which doesn’t allow him to play in every game. Agarkar said, “Suryakumar Yadav was made the captain because he is one of the most deserving candidates. We have been getting the feedbacks from the dressing room. He has got great cricket brain, he is one of the best T20 batters in the world, and the one who is likely to play all the games.”
“Hardik is a very important player. He has the skillsets, which are very difficult to find. Fitness has been a challenge. That was the thought behind it. We wanted the one who is available all the time. Surya has got the necessary quality that you need to succeed as a captain,” he added.