It's Beyond Me How T20 Captaincy Is Given To A Young Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer Or Sanju Samson – Sanjay Manjrekar

Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has made a bold statement on young Indian cricketers like Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer and Sanju Samson getting captaincy in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Rishabh Pant-led Delhi Capitals (DC) had an exceptional outing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 as they finished the group stage at the number one spot. However, back-to-back defeats in the playoffs stage led to their elimination. Talking about Sanju Samson-led Rajasthan Royals, they had a poor season once again, finishing at the 7th spot with only 10 points under their belt.

Two teams that have reached the finals have been led by two seasoned captains – Sanjay Manjrekar

Sanjay Manjrekar, while giving the example of the Eoin Morgan-led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) highlighted the importance of having a T20 specialist captain in the side. Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Sanjay Manjrekar stated:

“The two teams that have reached the finals have been led by two seasoned captains – Morgan and Mahendra Singh Dhoni. I have come to this belief at the moment based on whatever I have seen in the IPL…

“I just wonder when you are looking at T20 specialist bowlers and batters and all-rounders, I think it’s time for us to also start looking for T20 specialist captains, you know, great T20 captains. It’s beyond me how T20 captaincy is given to a young Rishabh Pant, [he’s] still young cricket wise, young Shreyas Iyer or Sanju Samson,” 

Sanjay Manjrekar opined that a specialist captain can get the best out of the mediocre sides, and the captaincy tactics can make a major difference. He stated:

“I just don’t understand the basis of that call because T20 captaincy is tough, it has a great impact… so I believe you’ve got to have brilliant T20 captains captaining sides and then even an ordinary side, I mean, look at CSK they have major weaknesses there but Dhoni has been able to get the best out of his playing XI. And those are the kind of captains IPL teams deserve, captains who are brilliant and just by their leadership and tactics will make a difference.”

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