With the ICC World Cup 2023 approaching, India is focusing on assembling the best squad, and Hardik Pandya’s return has emerged as a key factor in their preparations. The upcoming West Indies tour holds significance as it allows India to fine-tune their team selection for the ODI World Cup. Hardik Pandya’s exceptional leadership skills have caught the attention of former coach Ravi Shastri, who believes he should be considered for the captaincy role after the tournament.
Recognizing Pandya’s talent and leadership potential, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has appointed him as the vice-captain of the Indian ODI team, with Rohit Sharma as the captain. This decision showcases the BCCI’s confidence in Pandya’s abilities to contribute as a player and provide crucial guidance to the team. Pandya’s recent experience leading the Indian team in T20I matches further solidifies his prominence in the leadership hierarchy.
Ravi Shastri endorses Pandya’s leadership skills and suggests that he should take over the captaincy reins in limited-overs formats after the ODI World Cup. While Rohit Sharma remains the clear choice to lead India in the World Cup, Shastri emphasizes that Pandya’s leadership qualities make him a priority candidate for the captaincy role in T20Is and ODIs.
Hardik Pandya’s inclusion as vice-captain underscores his importance and the faith the BCCI has in his abilities to assume a leadership role. As India’s team management prepares for the World Cup, Pandya’s all-round skills and leadership acumen position him as a strong contender for the white-ball captaincy post-tournament.