Earlier this month, the selection panel named Suryakumar Yadav as the captain of the team for shortest format ahead of India's tour to Sri Lanka with the batter replacing the recently retired skipper Rohit Sharma in the role. Following Rohit's retirement from T20Is post the T20 World Cup triumph, Hardik, the vice captain of the team, was expected to take over the captaincy as the start all-rounder has stepped in during the former skipper's absence several times. But, the selectors did not even retain him as the vice captain of the side for the tour to Sri Lanka with Shubman Gill being named the deputy in both T20I and ODI squads. There were rumours that Pandya was not given captaincy as he didn't make himself available for the ODI series. The chief selector also hinted the same, but gave a vaild reason for Pandya not being named the captain or vice captain.

While he singled out fitness as an issue, the former right-arm seamer asserted that Pandya is an important player for Men in Blue and his skillset is hard to find in someone else. "Hardik is always an important player for us. Those skillsets are hard to find. Fitness has been a challenge with him. Hopefully, his performances are more important than anything else," said Agarkar in the press conference. "We want someone who is likely to be available more often than not. Saying all that, Surya has got all the necessary qualities to be the captain." Agarkar further explained why Suryakumar deserved to take over the captaincy, saying he is one of the best batters in the shortest format and also a player who is likely to play all the matches. "Suryakumar Yadav was made captain because he is one of deserving candidates. He is one of best T20I batters. You want a captain who is likely to play all the games," Agarkar added. Agarkar also revealed why Gill was named the vice captain for the upcoming tour, "Shubman Gill is the guy we feel is a three-format player. Has shown a lot more qualities over the last year or so, that's what we hear from the dressing room. "He has shown some decent leadership qualities. We want to try and give him the experience, though there are no guarantees," said Agarkar.