The Indian team is currently engaged in a home assignment against New Zealand where they have won the first ODI.
Skipper Rohit Sharma is leading his troops well in the 50-over format while Hardik Pandya is playing a similar role in T20Is.
With Hardik’s increasing success as India’s T20I skipper, there is a high possibility that he can also eclipse Rohit Sharma for the ODI succession.
Many higher officials at the BCCI want this transition to happen and they want it to go smoothly.
Hardik has already cemented his place as skipper of the T20I side because of his excellent performances since 2022.
Although there is no official word about this announcement yet, it is coming forth that Hardik will most likely lead India in the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Says a senior BCCI official,
Right now, Rohit is the man to lead India in the World Cup this year but we must plan about what next. Just can’t wait for things to happen and then react. Just in case Rohit decides to let go of the ODI format or captaincy post the 2023 World Cup, we need to have a plan in place.
Adding further, the official says,
Hardik is doing well as captain. He is young and will only get better. For now, there is no better option than him to be looked at post Rohit. He must be backed and given a long and consistent rope.
Hardik’s success as skipper of India’s T20I side
In all, Hardik has led India in 8 T20Is that he has captained, the Indian team has lost only once which says a lot about his leadership skills.
In the recent T20I series against Sri Lanka, India won the series 2-1.
After the ODI series against New Zealand, India will take them on in the T20I series and Hardik will once again be at the helm of things.
Senior pros will look to play less of T20Is for India; to continue playing in ODIs
Additionally, as has been seen, the senior players are not taking part in many of the bilateral T20I series and are returning only to play in the ODIs.
This means that Hardik can fully focus on creating a young team for the 2024 T20 World Cup.
It also gives Hardik a lot of time to strengthen his core group of players as well.
Recent examples have been Shivam Mavi who impressed against Sri Lanka and now Prithvi Shaw is back in the mix for the T20Is against New Zealand.
Also, the bowling pool of players is also getting bigger for Hardik and he now has plenty of options to choose from.
India facing a packed calendar this year
Currently, India has a busy calendar for 2023. After the New Zealand series, it will be the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia.
Then it will be the 2023 IPL after which India plays the Asia Cup in September and then the 50-over World Cup in October-November.
Which is why Hardik will look to keep himself in shape and be always ready to lead India in T20Is.
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