File image of Hardik Pandya, left, and Suryakumar Yadav after India won the T20 World Cup in June 2024 (PTI Photo)
Axar Patel has been named the vice-captain of India's T20I squad for the home series against England, but all-rounder Hardik Pandya remains part of the leadership group -- said captain Suryakumar Yadav ahead of the series opener on Wednesday at the Eden Gardens.
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"Axar has been given that added responsibility. We saw what he did in 2024 T20 World Cup. He has been with the team for a very long time right now," said Surya at the pre-match press conference in Kolkata.
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"But at the same time, Hardik is also a part of leading group. When we sit, we decide what we want to do in the game going forward and also on the field. He is always around. It's like we have a lot of captains on the ground."
Following Rohit Sharma's retirement from T20Is after the World Cup last year, Surya was named the skipper for the shortest format, even though Hardik had done the leadership duty in T20Is before him.
Hardik Pandya still key to leadership group: Suryakumar Yadav
"My relationship with him (Hardik) has been really great. We have been playing for a very long time right now," said Surya. "I still remember 2018 when I went back to Mumbai Indians. And till today, it's just the added responsibility which I have got.
"We have been good friends on and off the field. When we go back to franchise
cricket
(Mumbai Indians in the IPL), it (captaincy) shifts to him, so I can relax a little bit. We know what we want is going forward with the team."
Surya has led India in 10 T20Is so far, winning nine of those.
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