Analysis
Three Indian players who can take over India’s captaincy forward in ODIs
India(IND) is blessed with a plethora of talents. The first-class and domestic structure of India is very robust, which has enabled them to produce world-class players over the years. A lot of money is involved in producing such players. There is a good mix of youth and experience in the Indian team more often than not. India played with experienced players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja in the ODI World Cup 2023.
At the same time, India also played with some young players like Ishan Kishan and Shubman Gill. Since the experienced ones are approaching the end of their careers, it makes sense for the Indian management to think of long-term perspectives. Rohit Sharma is already 36 years old and there needs to be a young leader groomed for India’s captaincy in ODIs. India has many contenders for replacing Rohit in the 50-over format.
Here are three such players who have the caliber to lead India –
3. Jasprit Bumrah
Jasprit Bumrah (Source: Twitter)
Jasprit Bumrah has been a mainstay in the Indian team over the years. The Indian bowler led India for the first time in Edgbaston in 2022 for a Test match. India lost the Test match badly. Bumrah again got an opportunity to lead India in the T20I series against Ireland earlier this year. Under Bumrah’s captaincy, India beat Ireland 3-0 and clinched the series. The sample size of Bumrah is less than a captain.
But in the limited chances he has got, Bumrah has proved himself to be a worthy leader. The Indian pacer can play all formats for India despite the concerns about his injuries. Jasprit is one of the best players in the world and certainly the best bowler in India across the formats. His leading the team can be a possibility going forward, as he led India in a T20I series recently in the absence of Hardik Pandya.
2. KL Rahul
KL Rahul (Source: Twitter)
KL Rahul has been one of the main backups for captaincy in the last 4 years. In late 2019, the Indian cricketer relinquished captaincy and became a good contender for it. Over the years, Rahul has led India in all three formats. It is believed that under the leadership of Rahul, players tend to do well. It might be a good factor in Rahul’s support for captaincy. A wicketkeeper is also said to be the second captain of a team.
Rahul with his wicketkeeping skills and batting can be a regular in the side. Since the Asia Cup 2023, Rahul has been in good form in ODIs as well. Rahul just smashed the fastest World Cup ton by an Indian batter against the Netherlands in Bengaluru. In many other matches, Rahul played a crucial role in India’s wins. With the gloves, Rahul was brilliant. In the absence of Hardik, Rahul got the vice-captaincy of India in the World Cup 2023.
1. Hardik Pandya
Hardik Pandya (Source: Twitter)
Hardik Pandya is the most probable candidate to lead India in ODIs. Rahul is a good option as a backup for Hardik. After the T20 World Cup 2022, Hardik was selected as the Indian captain in T20Is. So far, Hardik has done a pretty good job in T20Is. It might also be obvious that Hardik might lead India in ODIs. After MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, and Rohit, Hardik is the candidate with the highest experience of leading India in T20Is.
The only thing that could go against Hardik is his fitness. In the past and present times, Hardik is known as a player prone to injuries. If Hardik can improve his fitness and promise an injury-free regime, India might well go with him as the captain in ODIs. Pandya is a good captain and helped Gujarat Titans to win their maiden title in 2022. In the following season, Pandya helped GT to reach the final of the IPL 2023.
