IND vs IRE: Hardik Pandya Not Permanent Captaincy Option, Says Sarandeep Singh; Needs To Prove His Fitness In ODIs

Former India cricketer and selector Sarandeep Singh has opined that Hardik Pandya cannot be a permanent cricketing option for the Indian team, as he is yet to prove his fitness and mettle in the one-day format.

Hardik Pandya was named India captain for the ongoing Ireland T20I series after KL Rahul got injured and Rishabh Pant was called up to the Indian Test team for the preparations for the fifth and final Test match against England starting on July 1.

India won the first T20I against Ireland, giving Hardik Pandya the perfect start to his captaincy as he had even won the toss also. He was given the onus of captaincy after successfully leading Gujarat Titans to the IPL 2022 title.

Hardik Pandya Needs To Prove His Mettle As Bowler In ODIs- Sarandeep Singh

Former India spinner Sarandeep Singh, who was also part of BCCI selection committee, said that for Hardik Pandya to become a permanent captaincy option for India, he needs to fulfill his duties as a bowler in ODIs, while content with his fitness in T20 format.

“I feel Hardik Pandya has proven his fitness only in the T20s. Even in the T20s he’s not completing his full quota of four overs, so he’ll have to prove his mettle as a bowler. For him to make a comeback in the ODI side, he’ll have to bowl full quota of 10 overs only then he could be included in the side as an all-rounder because we can’t afford to play one bowler short if Hardik doesn’t bowl.

No one knows about future, he’s in good form with the bat but for him to be handed over the responsibility of leading the side, the Baroda cricketer will have to prove his all-round ability. Also, we have a few players in contention for captaincy if Rohit isn’t around. There is KL Rahul who is sitting out due to injury, he could be the captain as well. So, let’s not think too much about that,” Sarandeep told MyKhel.com.

Hardik will be next in action when India takes on Ireland in the second T20I on June 28.

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