'He Should Take Over Captaincy' - Ravi Shastri Names Future India Captain
Shastri has touted Hardik to lead India [Twitter]
The Indian team is currently undergoing a transition phase, aiming to forge a young and dynamic roster by nurturing budding talents. They are also in search of a new captain across all formats, considering Rohit Sharma is already 36.
The Mumbai batter may lead the team for the final time in the upcoming 2023 World Cup before India looks beyond him for leadership. Amidst the ongoing debate, the former India coach, Ravi Shastri, put forward the name of Hardik Pandya, one of the frontrunners in the race.
Just a couple of years ago, nobody could have predicted that Hardik Pandya would become a top contender for the captaincy of Team India. However, all misconceptions were put to rest when the Baroda all-rounder led the Gujarat Titans to the IPL title in the 2022 season.
Following that, Hardik Pandya was entrusted with the captaincy of Team India in limited-overs cricket on various occasions when Rohit Sharma was unavailable. He exhibited outstanding leadership skills and steered the team to victories on nearly every occasion.
Later, he came back and once again led Gujarat Titans brilliantly in IPL 2023 season, guiding them to the final of the tournament. These exceptional performances have only reinforced the faith of fans and experts in his ability to take over the captaincy from Rohit Sharma in the white-ball format.
Even though Hardik Pandya has made a remarkable comeback in T20Is and ODIs, he is yet to make a Test appearance since 2018. Weighing in on the same, the former head coach of India, Ravi Shastri stated that Hardik Pandya’s body is yet not ready to cope with Test cricket.
Here’s what Ravi Shastri told The Week:
"His body cannot cope with Test cricket. Let's be very clear about that. After the World Cup, if his body is fit enough, he should take over captaincy in white-ball cricket.”
The former India captain is of the opinion that now is the ideal time to move beyond senior players and invest in the development of young talents, preparing them for the T20 World Cup and forthcoming major assignments.
"There are seniors ready to be phased out and there are youngsters ready. No question about it when it comes to T20 cricket. Lesser in 50-over cricket and even fewer in Tests.”
Notably, India has awarded debut Test call-ups to Ruturaj Gaikwad and Yashasvi Jaiswal for the West Indies tour, and has signalled the selectors' intention to move beyond senior players and provide opportunities to young talents.
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