Hardik Pandya is likely to be India’s next ODI and T20I captain. Baroda all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who was earlier touted to be India’s next T20I captain, is now expected to lead the Indian side in the 50-over format as well, said the reports. As per the recent developments, Hardik is likely to succeed Rohit Sharma as India’s next full-time white-ball skipper.
Notably, Hardik has already been looked at as a captaincy candidate for the T20I outfit following India’s elimination from the T20 World Cup 2022. He proved his leadership credentials during the Indian Premier League 2022 and was awarded the reins of Team India during the recent New Zealand tour.
The current white-ball skipper, Rohit Sharma, has been out of cricket action multiple times in the recent past owing to his fitness concerns. Moreover, he was ruled out of the recent test series against Bangladesh because of a finger dislocation injury.
Hardik, meanwhile, has been a regular performer for team India since his comeback to the national side in June. The Indian cricket board is mulling replacing Rohit as ODI skipper as well because of his rising fitness concerns.
As per the IANS report, the BCCI has approached Hardik Pandya with a proposal to lead both the white-ball sides. The board is awaiting the response from the cricketer, who has requested some time to make the decision.
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The report added that the final decision on the white-ball captaincy would be made only after consultation with the newly formed selection committee under the new BCCI chief, Roger Binny, who succeeds Sourav Ganguly.
Interestingly the previous selection committee which was led by Chetan Sharma had stated that KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant and Jasprit Bumrah would be groomed as the future captains of team India.
It is important to note that, Rohit Sharma is still doubtful about the upcoming Sri Lanka series. If Sharma misses the home white-ball tour against Sri Lanka, he will surely be replaced by Hardik Pandya.
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