For T20I Captaincy, Ex-India Selector Names Hardik Pandya’s Biggest Competitor
The young India team is going to be led by Shubhman Gill in a five-match T20I series against Zimbabwe, starting with the opener on Saturday, July 6. With captain Rohit Sharma announcing his T20I retirement after the World Cup final and vice captain Hardik Pandya resting for the tour, the selectors have shown faith in Gill to lead a second-string side. Following his retirement, there has been debate regarding India’s next T20I captain. Many believe that Hardik, having led the team previously in Rohit’s absence, is likely to take over the role.
Sharing his views on the same, former India wicketkeeper-batter Saba Karim suggested that it is too early for the selectors to consider Gill for the role, adding that it is highly likely that Hardik will take over the reins.
Karim said, “Potential yes, but at this stage, I think it’s very early for the selectors to actually decide who can be the captain in the years to come. There are a number of aspirants; Hardik Pandya right now is the vice captain, and I think with Rohit’s departure, it is more obvious that Pandya will take up the reins.”
“But yes, I think the Indian selectors have always looked at Shubman Gill as an all-format player, and they feel he does have the required leadership skills to take the team forward. That is why this Zimbabwe series will be quite exciting for Gill, not only as a batter but also as a captain,” he added.