Since the conclusion of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022, where Team India reached the semi-final of the showpiece event, several former cricketers have suggested a new T20I captain for the team. While Rohit Sharma recently replaced Virat Kohli as India’s full-time captain in all three formats, former Team India head coach has opined that there is no harm in identifying a new T20I captain.
At a press conference on November 17, Shastri said given the amount of cricket being played these days, and with Rohit Sharma leading the team in both ODIs and Tests, there was no harm in identifying a new captain for the team.
“For T20 cricket, there is no harm in having a new captain. Because the volume of cricket is such that for one player, to play all three formats of the game is never going to be easy. If Rohit is already leading in Tests and ODIs, there is no harm in identifying a new T20I captain and if his name is Hardik Pandya, so be it,” Shastri said during a select media call organised by Prime Video.
Hardik Pandya will lead Team India in the T20I series against New Zealand. Regular skipper Rohit Sharma was rested from the series along with some other players in Virat Kohli, R Ashwin and Mohammad Shami.
Since making a comeback from injury, Pandya has made a big statement with his all-rounder skills and also won praise from all corners for the way he led Gujarat Titans (GT) to their maiden IPL title earlier this year.
Earlier in the day, interim head coach VVS Laxman also praised Pandya by saying the all-rounder is somebody who leads by example and the players confide in him.
“He is a fabulous leader. We have seen what he has done in IPL. I have spent time with him from Ireland. His presence and work ethic are exemplary. He is a player’s captain and is approachable. Players confide in him. He leads by example,” he said.
India will play a six-match white-ball series against New Zealand. While Pandya will lead the side in the shortest format, senior cricketer Shikhar Dhawan will lead the side in ODIs. The India tour of New Zealand can be watched live and exclusive on Prime Video from Nov 18- Nov 30.
