Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri has backed Hardik Pandya to take over as India’s white-ball captain after the conclusion of the upcoming ODI World Cup. Rohit, 36, is currently serving as skipper in all three formats of the game.
In fact, Pandya has led the Indian team in the absence of Rohit Sharma in the T20I format and has done a decent job. Pandya also took Gujarat Titans to glory in their maiden season of the IPL in 2022. Furthermore, the franchise qualified for the final of IPL 2023 but could not cross the final hurdle against Chennai Super Kings.
Ergo, Pandya has shown great leadership skills and he has been getting the best out of the players.
“After the World Cup, if his body is fit enough, he should take over captaincy in white-ball cricket,” said Shastri as quoted by Indian Express.
On the other hand, Hardik Pandya last played Test cricket back in 2018 when he featured in the Oval Test against England. Pandya later admitted that his body isn’t ready for the adversities of Test cricket after he suffered a back injury.
“His body cannot cope with Test cricket. Let’s be very clear about that,” Shastri told The Week.
Meanwhile, Indian selectors decided to drop Cheteshwar Pujara from the upcoming West Indies tour. Shastri reckons it is high time that some experienced players will be phased out.
“There are seniors ready to be phased out and there are youngsters ready,” he said.
“No question about it when it comes to T20 cricket. Lesser in 50-over cricket and even fewer in Tests,” he added.
India will play two Test matches, three ODIs, and five T20Is on the upcoming tour of the West Indies.
