Hardik Pandya not to be India's next T20I captain? Jay Shah gives major update on Rohit Sharma's successor
BCCI secretary Jay Shah has given an update regarding India's next T20I captain. Recently, Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from T20I cricket after leading India to a historic T20 World Cup 2024 title.
It is believed that the team's vice-captain Hardik Pandya is the frontrunner for the role although the decision is yet to be announced. Along with Rohit Sharma, senior players like Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja also announced their retirement from the format after the triumph.
Jay Shah gives an update on India's next T20I captain
When asked about Hardik Pandya's performance in the T20 World Cup, Jay Shah lauded the allrounder for proving the selectors' decision right to select him. Shah also added that the decision on a new captain will be announced after discussing with the selectors.
"Captaincy will be decided by the selectors and we will announce it after discussing with them. You asked about Hardik (Pandya), there were a lot of questions over his form but we and selectors showed faith in him and he proved himself." Shah was quoted as saying by PTI.
Hardik Pandya had a poor IPL 2024 in which he had disappointing returns with both bat and ball. He scored 216 runs at an average of 18 with the bat and took 11 wickets at an average of 35.18 with the ball.
His captaincy was also below par as Mumbai Indians finished at the last spot in the points table under his leadership. But despite his poor performances, the selectors chose him in the squad for the T20 World Cup 2024 and he was appointed as the team's vice-captain.
Hardik proved the selectors right as he turned into a beast in the T20 World Cup. The allrounder scored 144 runs at an average of 48 and a strike rate of 1151.57 in the tournament. He was also impressive with the ball and provided big wickets at regular intervals. He picked up 11 wickets at an average of 17.36 and an economy rate of 7.64.
Hardik Pandya provides India with a perfect balance
Hardik's good form allowed India to play three quality spinners as he provided the option of a third seamer behind Arshdeep Singh and Jasprit Bumrah. His all-round credentials also allowed India to bat deep in the tournament, which proved to be crucial on numerous occasions.
Hardik Pandya has a good overall record as a captain in the IPL. Although his team Mumbai Indians finished last this year, he had led his previous team Gujarat Titans to a winner and a runners-up title in 2022 and 2023 respectively.
Pandya also has a good record leading India in international cricket. He has led India in 16 T20Is in which India won 10 matches and lost five. In ODI cricket, India have won two out of three matches under Hardik Pandya.
Along with Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Rishabh Pant, and Suryakumar Yadav are some other options for the role. But currently, Hardik Pandya seems to be ahead of all of them.
