IND vs NZ: "Hardik Pandya Looks Like A Very Dangerous Captain"- Danish Kaneria Believes Indian All-rounder Can Replace Rohit Sharma As Captain In T20Is

Hardik Pandya, India’s acting captain, received high appreciation from Danish Kaneria after his team’s decisive 65-run victory over New Zealand in the second T20I of the series on November 20. 

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Kaneria emphasised how effectively Pandya rotated his bowlers throughout the match. He praised the talismanic all-leadership rounder’s skills and suggested that the player be named India’s permanent T20I captain. 

Hardik Pandya Should Continue As Skipper In T20Is: Danish Kaneria

“Hardik Pandya looks like a very dangerous captain. He is a thinking cricketer and knows how to use his resources efficiently. He rotates his bowlers well. I think he should continue as the skipper in T20Is,”  Kaneria stated.

Notably, Hardik Pandya has gained a lot of praise for his outstanding leadership in T20 cricket after leading the Gujarat Titans (GT) to a championship win in this year’s Indian Premier League (IPL 2022). 

In the absence of many experienced players in a two-match T20I series against Ireland in June of this year, he also served as India’s captain. A surprising 2-0 clean sweep was achieved by the Hardik Pandya-led team in the match. 

If the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) agrees to implement split leadership, the 29-year-old appears to be the front-runner to lead India’s T20I team. 

Must Give Arshdeep Singh Some Rest At This Stage: Danish Kaneria

Kaneria continued, “Considering that left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh has been playing consistent matches recently, Team India should rest him for a few games.” 

For the third and final T20I against New Zealand, he advised the team to think about trying out bowlers like Umran Malik and Kuldeep Yadav in Arshdeep’s absence. 

In response, Kaneria said: 

“Arshdeep Singh has played a lot of matches. While India have identified him as their premier bowler, they must give him some rest at this stage. They have other bowlers like Kuldeep Yadav and Umran Malik who can come into the side in place of Arshdeep for the remaining games.” 

India Must Play Both Yuzvendra Chahal And Kuldeep Yadav Together: Danish Kaneria

Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav should bowl together, according to the former cricket player, as they have performed incredibly well when doing so. The presence of both spinners, he continued, will help the team because they are both capable of taking wickets. 

He elaborated: 

“India must play both Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav together. The pair have won a lot of matches for their side in the past. Kuldeep is a proven campaigner and has looked in impressive form in recent outings. They are both very attacking bowlers. Yes, they might leak runs, but they will also get you wickets.” 

On Sunday, November 20, the third T20I of the series will take place in Napier, featuring India and New Zealand. The final game is a must-win for the Kiwis because the visitors now enjoy a 1-0 advantage. 

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