Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir has expressed reservations about Hardik Pandya taking over as India’s full-time captain in white-ball cricket after Rohit Sharma. On Tuesday, Pandya led Team India to a thrilling win over Sri Lanka in their first international game of 2023. India defeated Sri Lanka by 2 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series.
As captain Rohit Sharma, ex-skipper Virat Kohli, and senior batter KL Rahul are all resting for the T20I series, Pandya has been tasked with leading the host nation in their absence. Former Indian opener Gambhir was asked about Pandya’s captaincy ascension ahead of the first T20I against Sri Lanka on Tuesday, and whether the star all-rounder has emerged as the leading candidate to replace Rohit as India’s next captain across formats.
“We have to wait and watch. If actually selectors have moved on from Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, then probably yes. When Rohit comes back, it’s gonna be difficult for someone like Hardik to replace him as captain because judging him by just one ICC tournament, it’s not the right parameter. If selectors have already communicated to Virat, KL Rahul and Rohit, and all those guys,” he said.
“If there’s clear communication, they have moved on from them. Then probably Hardik is the only guy at the moment because he is the only one who actually fits in that playing XI. And then you got Suryakumar as his deputy. So I think, that’s going to be the way forward,” Gambhir told Star Sports.
He has been absolutely brilliant: Gautam Gambhir
Pandya, who was named to the Rahul Dravid-coached side’s leadership group in 2022, has been named vice-captain in the limited-overs format. Pandya has taken over the designated leadership role in the limited-overs format from opener KL Rahul.
“He has been absolutely brilliant. Since he has come out of that controversy. Since he has taken over as captain of Gujarat Titans (GT), he has won the IPL. He has done everything possible that was asked of him, from the Indian cricket point of view. Looking at the World Cup as well, I think the semi-final when it came to that crunch game, where India was under pressure (62/2 in 10 overs). And then playing that kind of a blinder. I think he has that X-factor. Hopefully, he can try and give that X-factor or courage to other guys as well. This is a very young side, they are fearless, and that is what you want to see in T20I cricket,” Gambhir added.
