First Impressions Of Hardik Pandya As Team India Captain: A Mixed Start

He had earlier captained Team India during the T20I series in Ireland as well as in the T20Is when India visited New Zealand late last year. However, the Sri Lanka series was significant in the sense that there have been reports floating around about Pandya being set to take over as white-ball captain...

- Renin Wilben

Team India all-rounder Hardik Pandya recently led the Men in Blue to a 2-1 T20I series win over Sri Lanka at home. This wasn’t the Baroda cricketer’s maiden assignment as a leader. He had earlier captained Team India during the T20I series in Ireland as well as in the T20Is when India visited New Zealand late last year. However, the Sri Lanka series was significant in the sense that there have been reports floating around about Pandya being set to take over as white-ball captain. Some have claimed that he could soon be captain across both formats, while others have said that he might be made full-time T20I skipper. However, after BCCI’s review meeting, a third angle emerged, with sources stating that the cricket board was happy with Rohit’s leadership. Irrespective of what transpired in the review meeting, it is likely that Pandya will take over from Rohit as a leader in the near future. The latter is now 35, and India must look to the future for the next captain, who can lead the team for a sizeable time, especially in white-ball cricket. All hints point towards Pandya as being that man.

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