Team India has been going through a transition phase across all formats, and apart from the ouster of senior players, the team’s captaincy is also set to change as the Current skipper across all formats, Rohit Sharma, is already 36. If the rumours come true, a phasing out of players will be seen after the World Cup, and we may even see Rohit Sharma leaving his role. Hence the question will arise: Who will take over as captain across all formats?
The All-Rounder gave a stunning performance
As the questions are already around, former Indian team Head Coach Ravi Shastri gave his opinion on the strongest contender of the captaincy race Hardik Pandya. The All-rounder’s brilliant performance and captaincy during IPL 2022 where he led Gujarat Titans for the win made everyone believe that he can be the next captain of Team India but because Hardik made a comeback after a long battle with a back injury, Rohit continued his role in all formats.
Hardik made a strong return
Hardik has made a strong comeback as an all-rounder in white-ball cricket and shown great captaincy skills in both IPL and India matches that Rohit missed. As the World Cup draws closer, Hardik has already emerged as the only player to take over from Rohit. But despite an impressive comeback in T20s and ODIs, Hardik has yet to play a test match since his last appearance in 2018. Many veteran cricketers are wishing for his comeback in red-ball cricket, but Hardik has not given a statement or any update about his comeback.
Shastri about Pandya for the captaincy
Recently, when Ravi Shastri was asked whether Hardik could become the Test captain as well, He stated that Hardik’s body may not allow the longer format, though he is completely backing the White-ball captaincy as an all-rounder. Let’s be very clear about this that his body cannot manage test cricket. After the World Cup, if his body is fit enough, he should take over the captaincy in limited overs cricket.
Shastri also believes that India should start replacing senior players with youngsters who are ready to take over World Cricket.He said, “Because of the IPL, you see plenty of high-quality young players, but we should not be carried away and think that they can be the immediate choice for red-ball cricket. I would see the red-ball record, sit with selectors, and find out what their performances were under what conditions and what their strengths and temperament were.
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