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With Rohit Sharma not being available for the ODI tour to Sri Lanka, Hardik Pandya, who is slated to be the T20 captain and served as the vice-captain of the ODI team during the 2023 World Cup, appears to be the natural choice to assume the white-ball captaincy for India until Rohit resumes the ODI captaincy, possibly before the 2025 Champions Trophy. This would provide stability and continuity in leadership for the Indian team, ensuring a smooth transition until Rohit returns to the helm of the ODI affairs.
KL Rahul could also be considered for a leadership role, especially given his experience and consistency in the Indian team across formats. However, Hardik does appear to be a strong candidate for the white-ball captaincy in Sri Lanka.
Another contender Jasprit Bumrah, as a key bowler, might not be the ideal choice for captaincy due to the need to manage his workload. Rishabh Pant has shown leadership potential and could be a suitable vice-captain in ODIs and possibly T20s as well. As for Surya Kumar Yadav, if he were to captain in T20s and Rohit preferred him as vice-captain over Pandya, it would hinge on the team’s strategic decisions and preferences.
It’s true that Hardik has faced criticism for his leadership skills with the Mumbai Indians in the IPL, where the team’s performance was disappointing. However, his equation with new coach Gautam Gambhir and his overall presence in the Indian cricketing setup could indeed play a significant role in his potential continuation as the white-ball captain.
Given the upcoming schedule where the likes of Rohit and Virat Kohli are expected to play approximately 10 matches in the next six months, Hardik Pandya may indeed be required to hold the fort in white-ball cricket, provided he is fit and available for selection.
Hardik’s role as the T20 captain and his previous stint as vice-captain in ODIs suggest that he could be entrusted with leadership responsibilities in both formats during this period.
Hardik’s fitness and readiness to play will be crucial factors in the BCCI’s decision-making process regarding team leadership. Continuity and stability in leadership can be crucial in maintaining a team’s consistent performance. Therefore, if Hardik meets the required criteria, he is the viable option.
