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Support a player, don't go criticising him: Chetan Sharma responds to Hardik's absence
Follow UsThe India all-rounder has not played for India since the T20 World Cup but is expected to lead his IPL franchise Gujarat Titans
Chairman of selectors Chetan Sharma hit back at questions pertaining to Hardik Pandya's non-selection in the Indian side further dismissing allegations of the all-rounder giving more importance to being fit for the Indian Premier League (IPL) but remaining on the sidelines when it comes to playing for the national side.
Pandya was appointed captain of one of the new franchises Gujarat Titans and has not featured in a single game for India since the T20 World Cup in the UAE last year.
During the virtual press conference where the squad for Sri Lanka series was announced, a question seemed to irk Sharma, which looked like a dig at Hardik.
“Can't understand what Hardik is up to, as of whatever I've seen after the T20 World Cup? But this is confirmed that he will be fit before the first match of the IPL,” said the reporter.
Sharma replied, “Firstly, you can talk to him. You must have his number. Secondly, you are not a member of the selection committee to say that he scored runs in IPL and hence will be selected.
"Selection committee has five members and they are sitting with me, right here. So who is getting selected and who isn't is not yours to decide. We will decide that.
"But what Hardik will do...let the things come. Support a player, don't go criticising him. What Hardik did for India is not something you forget in a second. Support that,” he said
Hardik was neither named in the Test squad nor in the T20I team for the Sri Lanka series at home.