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Anjum Chopra, former captain of India’s women’s cricket team, has expressed her support for Hardik Pandya to assume the mantle of India’s next T20I captain. Following Rohit Sharma’s retirement from T20Is post the 2024 T20 World Cup triumph, Pandya, who served as the vice-captain during the tournament, was seen as a natural successor. However, recent reports suggest that Suryakumar Yadav might be chosen instead due to concerns over Pandya’s injury history and the need for workload management.
Pandya has led India in 16 matches, securing victories in 10 of them, showcasing his leadership prowess. In contrast, Suryakumar Yadav has captained India in 7 matches, with victories in 5, adding to his credentials for the role.
Anjum Chopra backs Hardik Pandya to be India’s next T20I captain
In an interview with Mykhel.com, Anjum Chopra expressed a definitive stance on who should lead India’s T20I team next. She emphasized her belief that given Hardik Pandya’s current role as vice-captain, he should rightfully be given the first opportunity to assume the captaincy.
“No, I don’t have any thoughts on it because I think he was the nominated captain. I mean, I don’t have a thought against it or for it, because the reason was the nominated captain for the Indian team because he got injured. Then Surya took over in South Africa. If I remember correctly earlier this year in South Africa. So I think last year before the World Cup happened, he was the one who was chosen as the captain. You would want to give it to Hardik first,” Anjum Chopra stated.
However, Anjum Chopra also pointed out that while promoting a vice-captain isn’t always mandatory, the decision should be equitable. She is of the opinion that Hardik Pandya would be a justifiable choice for the captaincy, believing it would be a fair and fitting decision.
“I think Hardik (Pandya) will take the mantle” – Anjum Chopra
“I don’t pay much heed to the fact. I mean, you can always have a vice-captain getting promoted, but I think it’s because Hardik was the nominated captain, that’s why he was given the vice-captaincy role and that’s fair,” Chopra said.
“I think, yeah, Hardik will take the mantle. As I said last year, he was a nominated captain, he got injured, did not play and all those things but I feel it’s absolutely fair to give it to him. If India selectors had not given it to him, and given it to Surya, then my answer would have been Surya. But then they’ve given it to him. So I think one should go back to him and give that respect and honour,” Anjum explained.
Selectors have long deliberated over Hardik Pandya’s potential as India’s white-ball captain, particularly in T20I cricket. Currently serving as India’s vice-captain, Pandya previously held the deputy role under Rohit Sharma during the 2023 ODI World Cup. Despite concerns over his fitness history, Pandya’s recent stellar performance in the T20 World Cup 2024 has bolstered his case.
The dynamic all-rounder excelled with the bat, amassing 144 runs at an impressive average of 48 and a striking rate of 151.57. Moreover, Pandya contributed significantly with the ball, claiming 11 wickets at an average of 17.36 and an economy rate of 7.64 throughout the tournament.
