IND vs NZ: Hardik Pandya Frontrunner To Replace Rohit Sharma As India's ODI Captain – Reports

The 29-year-old all-rounder Hardik Pandya is the frontrunner to replace the 35-year-old Rohit Sharma as the captain of the India National Cricket Team in One Day Internationals (ODIs), according to reports.

Hardik rose to captaincy fame with his exploits with Gujarat Titans (GT) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022. He led the newcomers to the title victory in his debut season as captain and many cricket pundits were impressed with his leadership skills.

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Also, the all-rounder has done an excellent job while leading the Indian team in bilateral T20Is. Hardik recently replaced KL Rahul as vice-captain of the ODI team, which was a clear indication that the BCCI is looking at the all-rounder to succeed Rohit as the skipper in 50-over cricket.

Hardik is likely to lead India in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 and he could also get the ODI captaincy after the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) wants a seamless transition plan in place where the successor is ready before taking over responsibility.

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“Right now, Rohit is the man to lead India in the World Cup this year but we must plan about what next. Just can’t wait for things to happen and then react. Just in case Rohit decides to let go of the ODI format or captaincy post the 2023 World Cup, we need to have a plan in place,” a senior board official told News18 Cricketnext.

There is no better option than Hardik Pandya to be looked at post Rohit – BCCI official

A Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) official lauded Hardik for his captaincy and said that he will just keep getting better with time. The official also said that there is “no better option” than Hardik for the ODI captaincy after Rohit and that is why the all-rounder needs to be backed.

“Hardik is doing well as captain. He is young and will only get better. For now, there is no better option than him to be looked at post Rohit. He must be backed and given a long and consistent rope,” added the official.

Hardik has led India in 8 T20Is, so far, of which they have won 6, lost 1 and 1 got tied. Reportedly, the all-rounder’s leadership has impressed the men who matter on the board.

He recently led India to a 2-1 T20I series victory over Sri Lanka and will next lead the side in the upcoming three-match T20I series against New Zealand. India have a jam-packed calendar in 2023 and Hardik, who is not among the fittest Indian cricketers, will have to keep his workload in check.

Also Read: IND vs NZ: Hardik Pandya’s Controversial Dismissal In 1st ODI Leaves Ravichandran Ashwin Furious

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