Hardik Pandya
Hardik Pandya (PC-Getty Images)

Team India is touring New Zealand for a white-ball series between November 18 and 30, comprising three T20Is and three ODIs. Star all-rounder Hardik Pandya will captain India in the shorter format in the absence of experienced players like KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma, while Shikhar Dhawan will do so in ODIs.

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.

Hardik Pandya and Kane Williamson
Hardik Pandya and Kane Williamson (PC-Getty Images)

Hardik Pandya Is A Good Captain – Mohammad Kaif

Speaking exclusively to Sportskeeda, former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif believes that Hardik Pandya has demonstrated leadership qualities that make him a reliable leader.

Mohammad Kaif (Image Credits: Twitter)
Mohammad Kaif (Image Credits: Twitter)

“I am very excited because I feel he is a good captain. When he was given the captaincy, many had their doubts on whether he will be able to do justice to the role because of his attitude or body language. But the way he captained and batted as well as bowled with calmness under pressure was impressive,” Mohammad Kaif said.

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I Was Most Impressed With His Bowling Changes And Field Placements – Mohammad Kaif

Mohammad Kaif discussed his experience in the IPL 2022 final in Ahmedabad, where he closely monitored Hardik Pandya’s captaincy. Kaif stated that Pandya’s field placements and bowling changes spoke volumes about his game awareness and tactical knowledge.

Hardik Pandya, Shubman Gill and Rashid Khan
Hardik Pandya With GT Teammates (Image Credits : Twitter)

“I was most impressed with his bowling changes and field placements. I had gone to Ahmedabad to watch the final and I saw how well he set the fields from close. I felt he looked a very sorted captain and also very clear in his gameplan. The dots get connected when you look at him as captain and I also feel he has tactical knowledge,” he added.

Also read: IND vs NZ: “Sanju Samson And Deepak Hooda Should Play The Finisher’s Role For India, Because They Can Win You Matches” – Former Indian Batter Robin Uthappa