IND vs NZ: "If Rohit Sharma Is Already Leading In Tests And ODIs, There Is No Harm In Identifying A New T20I Captain And If His Name Is Hardik Pandya" - Ravi Shastri

Indian star all-rounder Hardik Pandya will lead the T20I side in a three-match series against New Zealand, with the first T20I set to be played in Wellington on Friday, November 18. Former Indian coach Ravi Shastri believes there is no harm in experimenting with a new T20I captain.

Team India rested senior players, including KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma in the upcoming white-ball series against New Zealand. Shikhar Dhawan will lead the ODI team, and VVS Laxman will serve as head coach in Rahul Dravid’s absence. Youngsters like Sanju Samson, Umran Malik, and Ishan Kishan will have the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities.

There Is No Harm In Having A New Captain For T20 Cricket – Ravi Shastri

Rohit Sharma was recently appointed as the full captain in all three formats, replacing Virat Kohli. Many former cricketers have suggested a new T20 captain for the team.

In a press conference on November 17, Shastri said that given the amount of cricket being played these days, with Rohit Sharma leading the side in ODIs and Tests, it would be beneficial for the team to identify a new captain.

“For T20 cricket, there is no harm in having a new captain. Because the volume of cricket is such that for one player, to play all three formats of the game is never going to be easy. If Rohit is already leading in Tests and ODIs, there is no harm in identifying a new T20I captain and if his name is Hardik Pandya, so be it,” said Shastri during a select media call organized by Prime Video.

Hardik Pandya led the Gujarat Titans (GT) to the title in their debut season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). His exploits with the IPL franchise rewarded him with the opportunity to lead the national team. Earlier this year, he guided the Men in Blue to a 2-0 series win over Ireland. Many expect Pandya to take over as Team India’s full-time T20 captain after Rohit Sharma steps down.

Also read: IND vs NZ: “He Should Open The Innings, He Will Be A Huge Player In T20 Cricket Over The Course Of The Next Ten Years” – Robin Uthappa Backs Rishabh Pant As An Opener