BCCI Secretary Jay Shah has given an update on India’s next T20I captain. Recently, Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from T20I cricket after leading India to a historic 2024 T20 World Cup title.
The team’s vice-captain Hardik Pandya is believed to be the favorite for the job, although the decision is yet to be announced. Along with Rohit Sharma, senior players like Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja also announced their retirement from the format after the win.
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Jay Shah gives an update on India’s next T20I captain
When asked about Hardik Pandya’s performance in the T20 World Cup, Jay Shah praised the all-rounder for proving that the selectors’ decision in selecting him was the right one. Shah also added that the decision on a new captain will be announced after discussing it with the selectors.
“The selectors will decide who will be the captain and we will announce it after talking to them. You asked about Hardik (Pandya), there were a lot of doubts about his form but we and the selectors showed faith in him and he proved his worth,” Shah said. according to PTI.
Hardik Pandya had a poor IPL 2024 in which he had disappointing results with both bat and ball. He scored 216 runs at an average of 18 with the bat and took 11 wickets at an average of 35.18 with the ball.
His captaincy was also below par as Mumbai Indians finished last in the points table under his leadership. But despite his poor performances, the selectors picked him in the squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup and he was appointed as the vice-captain of the team.
Hardik proved the selectors right by becoming a beast in the T20 World Cup. The all-rounder scored 144 runs at an average of 48 and a strike rate of 1151.57 in the tournament. He was also impressive with the ball and provided big wickets at regular intervals. He took 11 wickets at an average of 17.36 and an economy rate of 7.64.
Hardik Pandya provides India with perfect balance
Hardik’s good form allowed India to play with three quality spinners as he provided the option of a third seamer behind Arshdeep Singh and Jasprit Bumrah. His all-round credentials also allowed India to advance deep in the tournament, which proved crucial on numerous occasions.
Hardik Pandya has a good overall track record as a captain in the IPL. Though his team, Mumbai Indians, finished last this year, he had led his previous team, Gujarat Titans, to a championship title and a runners-up finish in 2022 and 2023 respectively.
Pandya also has a good track record as India’s leader in international cricket. He has led India in 16 T20Is in which India won 10 matches and lost five. In ODI cricket, India has won two of the three matches under Hardik Pandya.
Apart from Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Rishabh Pant and Suryakumar Yadav are other options for the role, but currently, Hardik Pandya seems to be ahead of all of them.
