(Source X)
BCCI secretary Jay Shah has provided an update on India’s next T20I captain following Rohit Sharma’s retirement from the format, shortly after leading India to victory in the T20 World Cup 2024.
Although the decision has not been finalized, it is widely speculated that the team’s vice-captain, Hardik Pandya, is a leading contender for the role. Alongside Rohit Sharma, senior players such as Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja have also announced their retirement from T20Is following the championship win.
Jay Shah has provided an update on India’s future T20I captaincy. Reflecting on Hardik Pandya’s performance in the T20 World Cup, Shah praised the all-rounder for validating the selectors’ decision to include him in the squad. Shah further stated that the appointment of the new captain will be made following discussions with the selectors.
“Captaincy will be decided by the selectors and we will announce it after discussing with them. You asked about Hardik (Pandya), there were a lot of questions over his form but we and selectors showed faith in him and he proved himself.” Shah was quoted as saying by PTI.
Hardik Pandya had a challenging IPL 2024 campaign, registering underwhelming performances both with bat and ball. He managed 216 runs at an average of 18 and took 11 wickets at an average of 35.18 for Mumbai Indians, who finished at the bottom of the points table under his captaincy. Despite these setbacks, selectors opted to include him in the squad for the T20 World Cup 2024, appointing him as the team’s vice-captain.
In the T20 World Cup, Hardik Pandya justified the selectors’ faith with stellar performances. He amassed 144 runs at an average of 48 and an astonishing strike rate of 151.57. His bowling was equally impactful, claiming 11 wickets at an average of 17.36 and an economy rate of 7.64, consistently delivering crucial breakthroughs for the team.
Hardik Pandya’s excellent form provided India with ideal balance during the T20 World Cup. His performances allowed India to field three quality spinners while also having the option of a third seamer alongside Arshdeep Singh and Jasprit Bumrah. His all-round abilities strengthened India’s batting depth, a crucial asset in key moments throughout the tournament.
In the IPL, despite Mumbai Indians finishing at the bottom this year, Pandya has a commendable captaincy record. Previously, he led Gujarat Titans to victory and a runner-up finish in 2022 and 2023 respectively.
Internationally, Pandya has also proven effective as a captain for India. He has led the team in 16 T20Is, winning 10 matches and losing five. In ODIs, India has won two out of three matches under his leadership.
While Jasprit Bumrah, Rishabh Pant, and Suryakumar Yadav are viable contenders for the captaincy, Hardik Pandya currently appears to be the frontrunner for the role.
