IND vs BAN: "He Has Leadership Qualities And Skills To Take His Team Forward, He Showed The Same In IPL" - Rashid Khan Backs Hardik Pandya As Next T20I Captain For India

Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan praised Hardik Pandya’s leadership qualities and backed the Indian all-rounder to be the full-time T20I captain of Team India. The Indian team management is moving towards split captaincy options, considering Rohit Sharma’s workload management and busy cricket schedule.

Hardik Pandya captained the Gujarat Titans to the 2022 IPL title in their debut season. Rashid Khan played under Pandya and witnessed the all-rounder’s leadership qualities. Pandya has since led Team India to T20I series victories in Ireland and New Zealand, and many former cricketers and cricket experts have backed him to be the next T20I captain.

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I’ve Enjoyed A Lot Playing Under Him – Rashid Khan

Rashid Khan stated that Hardik Pandya is an excellent choice to succeed Rohit as Team India’s T20I captain, and that the all-rounder has the ability to lead the Indian team if given the opportunity.

“I have played under Hardik Pandya’s captaincy. He has leadership qualities and skills to take his team forward, he showed the same in IPL. It is the Indian cricket board’s call to name the next captain but I’ve enjoyed a lot playing under him,” mentioned the leg-spinner.

You Have To Be Smart – Rashid Khan

Afghanistan all-rounder has spoken about the challenges of playing in the T10 league. He said, “A different format where you will have to come prepared as it does not give you time to think. You have to be smart. It prepares you mentally for big games when you represent your country and is tough as a bowler.”

Rashid believes that bowlers should focus on their strengths to excel in the league. “Batters target the bowlers from ball one and you have to be innovative and believe in your skill and strength to bowl in the right areas,” said Rashid.

The Afghanistan bowler is excited to play in the upcoming ICC World Cup in India. He said ICC events are different because they put pressure on the players. “ICC events are different as they offer pressure. We are qualified hence we will play freely and try to apply ourselves on Indian pitches,” expressed the bowler on playing the ODI World Cup in India where he has played cricket previously.

Also read: “If There Is One Player In The Side Who Deserves To Play At The Highest Level, It’s Him” – Jaydev Unadkat Heaps Praise On Chirag Jani