IND vs NZ: Hardik Pandya Will Have To Face Failures As Well Going Forward, But He Looks Like A Brave Captain - Wasim Jaffer

Wasim Jaffer, a former Indian batter, expressed his admiration for Hardik Pandya’s leadership of the Men in Blue during the three-match T20I series against New Zealand. Jaffer called the all-rounder a fearless captain and said he is currently enjoying the new responsibility. 

Pandya was appointed captain for the T20I series since regular captain Rohit Sharma was resting for the New Zealand tour. Team India won the wet series 1-0, maintaining their dominance in international competition. 

After India lost in the semifinals of the T20 World Cup in Australia, there have been increasing requests for Pandya to take over as the T20I captain in place of Rohit.

The burden Of Captaincy Does Not Seem To Affect Hardik Pandya: Wasim Jaffer

Jaffer commended the all-rounder while not anticipating much in the future, telling ESPNcricinfo: 

“He is not scared of taking risks. We saw that he gave (Deepak) Hooda in the 19th over in the last match. Hooda has not been trusted with the ball in the past. But he gave good returns, claiming three wickets in the last over. Hardik will have to face failures as well going forward, but he looks like a brave captain.” 

Jaffer selected Pandya’s calm temperament and the freedom he enables colleagues to express themselves as two of the leadership qualities that stick out most about him. Former India batter said: 

“I have been following Hardik’s captaincy since the IPL and I am quite impressed. He won the IPL in his first season as leader. The praiseworthy aspect of his captaincy is that he looks relaxed and it seems he gives players freedom. He himself is enjoying it, and the burden of captaincy doesn’t seem to affect him.” 

Pandya’s second stint as acting captain took place during the T20Is in New Zealand. Prior to that, he had led the group to a 2-0 victory over Ireland. 

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