Irfan Pathan dropped as Baroda's captain

What's the story?

Out of favour, Indian seam bowler Irfan Pathan has been axed as captain by the Baroda Cricket Association for the rest of the Ranji Season.

All-rounder Deepak Hooda will now take charge of the team instead of the veteran player.

"We will have Deepak Hooda as the captain and opener Kedar Devdhar will be the vice-captain of the side," the BCA secretary told IANS over phone on Sunday.

The Details

Irfan, who had led Baroda for the first two games in the season did not have an entirely fruitful outing for his side.

Also, the selectors have dished out the logic that the decision was made keeping in mind the future and that they want to give the youngsters a chance to build a team for the future.

Watch: When Irfan dismantled Pakistan

The context

Irfan led Baroda for the first two matches where his team suffered defeats and this could be one of the reasons for this decision.

Also, it seems that Irfan has lost some of his form in the longer version and hence his confidence has taken a battering which might have forced the hands of the selectors to bite the bullet.

What's next?

It would be interesting to see the way Irfan responds to this snub and the direction his career takes from this point.

Also, how Deepak Hooda responds to this added responsibility might well determine his future as the leader of the side and his growth as a player.

Author's take

Irfan's struggles in the recent past have been well documented and although the man himself believes that he has it in him to make another comeback into the Indian team.