India’s former wicketkeeper-batter Kiran More said that he is unsure about Hardik Pandya leading the Indian team in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup, especially after Rohit Sharma was announced as the captain for the shortest format in the three-match series against Afghanistan, commencing January 11. Virat Kohli has also been called for for the series against Afghanistan.
Hardik Pandya has been out of action after he twisted his ankle against Bangladesh in the ODI World Cup 2023 game. Hardik’s ankle injury ruled him out of the remaining World Cup and the T20I series against Australia and South Africa. As the all-rounder is on his road to recovery, speculations are being made that he might not be captaining the Indian team in the T20 World Cup because of his injury concerns.
Rohit Sharma is going to lead the 16-member squad that also includes batting maestro Virat Kohli. The two experienced campaigners returned to India’s T20I setup after 14 months. They last played a T20I match in the ICC T20 World Cup 2022 where India suffered a heartbreaking defeat against England in the semi-finals. In Rohit’s absence, Hardik Pandya was given the responsibility of leading the side in the shortest format.
While speaking to Sports 18, Kiran More opined that Hardik Pandya needs to get fit first and then return to action to be in contention for a leadership role in the upcoming T20 World Cup. “Firstly, Hardik needs to get fit. He needs to start playing cricket first. That’s extremely necessary. Once he does that, Hardik Pandya definitely ticks all the boxes. He had also been the captain earlier.”
Hardik Pandya Will Be Back In Action For The IPL 2024
However, Kiran More also backed India’s vice-captain to make a strong comeback once he gets fit. He feels that if Hardik Pandya gets a few matches under his belt ahead of the World Cup, then he can get back in his rhythm and will prove to be a big asset for the Indian team. He was India’s best performer in the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup 2022.
“We don’t know the selectors’ thinking, what has gone on inside, but Hardik will come into the team as soon as he gets fit. He needs to play matches before the World Cup. We don’t know when he will start, probably in the IPL, but he is preparing hard. He is the world’s top all-rounder and every team will want to have him.”
In the absence of Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav was allowed to lead the side in the T20I series against Australia and South Africa where he also emerged victorious after beating Australia 4-1 and leveling the series against South Africa by 1-1. The No.1 T20I batter was expected to lead the side against Afghanistan but he is set to miss the series because of an injury.
Hardik Pandya is expected to return to action in the IPL 2024. He will lead the five-time IPL champions Mumbai Indians. He has been successful as Gujarat Titans skipper as he won them their first title in their debut season and also reached the finals in IPL 2023. Hardik Pandya was announced as the captain of the Mumbai Indians, a few days after his trade was completed from Gujarat Titans.
The post “Hardik Pandya Needs To Get Fit For Captaincy…” Former India Cricketer appeared first on CricketAddictor.
India’s former wicketkeeper-batter Kiran More said that he is unsure about Hardik Pandya leading the Indian team in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup, especially after Rohit Sharma was announced as the captain for the shortest format in the three-match series against Afghanistan, commencing January 11. Virat Kohli has also been called for for the
The post “Hardik Pandya Needs To Get Fit For Captaincy…” Former India Cricketer appeared first on CricketAddictor.
