Hardik Pandya receives major directive to regain India leadership role

Former Indian cricketer-turned-commentator Sanjay Manjrekar has made a logical statement on the future of Hardik Pandya as the white-ball captain of the India National Cricket Team. The star all-rounder is currently out of the picture for captaincy in both the ODI and T20I formats.

In the absence of Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya captained India in 16 T20Is before Suryakumar Yadav was appointed as the new skipper in the format under the new leadership of chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar and newly-appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir.

Sanjay Manjrekar reveals how Hardik Pandya can regain his captaincy role

However, the BCCI didn’t deny chances of Pandya returning to the leadership, and Sanjay Manjrekar believes that the Mumbai Indians skipper can get back his position only if he shows great commitment to domestic cricket and changes within the BCCI’s selection committee.

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Manjrekar has pointed out that new leadership within Indian cricket often brings a fresh perspective, and Hardik Pandya needs to prove his consistency and adaptability across the formats to grab his opportunity when it comes. He also noted Pandya’s rare first-class involvement is not helping him.

The cricket expert advised the Indian all-rounder to play first-class cricket to solidify his case as a dependable leader for the India National Cricket Team. Manjrekar also recalled Hardik’s crucial contributions with the ball during the 2019 World Cup.

The key will be to show his willingness to play consistently: Sanjay Manjrekar

Sanjay Manjrekar said on Star Sports’ program ‘Deep Point’: “The dynamics of Indian cricket can change with new management in the BCCI or the selection committee. Everyone has a unique approach. For Pandya, the key will be to show his willingness to play consistently. He hardly plays first-class cricket, but if he starts doing so, it will strengthen his case. Pandya has always been good at ICC tournaments. Not many people remember that during the 2019 World Cup, Hardik was India’s go-to bowler on those pitches.”

As Hardik Pandya set for the 50-over actions in the England series and ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Manjrekar emphasized the physical challenges of playing ODIs, particularly for all-rounders. He highlighted that, unlike T20s, ODIs require more running, especially in the middle overs. The commentator noted that Hardik will have to maintain top fitness to be able to bowl 7-10 overs and then bat in crucial positions like No. 5 or 6 to be effective for the Men in Blue.

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Hardik Pandya has come the closest to replicating MS Dhoni’s role as a finisher: Sanjay Bangar

On the other hand, former Indian batting coach Sanjay Bangar praised Hardik Pandya for taking matches deep and winning games like the legendary finisher MS Dhoni. Bangar also highlighted Pandya's ability to rebuild innings under pressure while saying Hardik can be the next MSD for India.

Sanjay Bangar said on the same show: “In 50-over matches, Pandya has come the closest to replicating MS Dhoni’s role as a finisher. Dhoni used to take games deep, and his influence is most visible on Pandya. We’ve seen him take games to the 49th or 50th over and secure wins. At the same time, he’s capable of rebuilding an innings if the team is struggling at 30-4. His ability to adapt to various situations is amazing.”