"Not A Clue" - Dinesh Karthik Surprised By Hardik Pandya's Removal As Vice-Captain In England T20I Series

Hardik Pandya was overlooked as the vice-captain of the Indian T20I side that was named for the series against England. Mohammed Shami's return into the side was one of the biggest takeaways from the side that was named.

The squad that was named for the England series was almost similar to the one that played against South Africa. Shivam Dube was a major name missing with Aaksh Chopra questioning the reason behind his axing.

Meanwhile, Dinesh Karthik said that he was surprised at Hardik Pandya not being named the vice-captain for the series. Axar Patel was selected for that role. The Indian all-rounder was Rohit Sharma's deputy during India's T20 World Cup win in the Caribbean last year.

"I really don’t know. I don’t know why he (Hardik) was stripped of his vice-captaincy. I don’t see any reason to. They have done well. They have won in the bilaterals that he was the vice-captain. Not a clue" Dinesh Karthik said in his show Hey CB With DK.

Team India have been in prime T20I form after the World Cup triumph, winning 13 out of their last 15 outings. The Men in Blue have also won four consecutive T20I series post the 2024 World Cup, with Hardik playing in the last three against Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and South Africa.

Hardik Pandya Served As India Vice-Captain During T20 World Cup 2024

Hardik Pandya's removal as the T20I vice-captain was shocking to many given his record as India's T20I captain. In the absence of Rohit Sharma, Hardik led India in 16 T20Is winning 10 matches and losing five including a tie.

Pandya also boasts of a good record in the IPL with Gujarat Titans having led them to the title in 2022 when the side came into existence. Pandya also replaced Rohit Sharma as Mumbai Indians skipper ahead of IPL 2024. Unfortunately, he did not have a good stint as captain as Mumbai finished last on the table.

However, Hardik's removal as the vice-captain for the T20I series against England will definitely have larger implications within the Indian team perhaps during the series.