With the Indian cricket team basking in the glory of their 2025 Champions Trophy victory , the question on everyone’s mind is: Who will lead Team India after Rohit Sharma? Former captain and cricket legend Kapil Dev has weighed in, suggesting that all rounder Hardik Pandya should take over as the captain of India’s ODI and T20 teams , signaling a potential shift in leadership.
Let’s break down Kapil Dev’s reasoning, the current state of Indian cricket, and why Hardik Pandya could be the ideal candidate to lead the next generation of players.
Rohit Sharma’s Future in Focus
At 38 years old , Rohit Sharma remains a key figure in Indian cricket, leading the Test , ODI , and T20 teams with distinction. However, questions linger about his long term role, especially with the 2027 ODI World Cup still two years away.
Key Concerns:
- Will Rohit continue playing after the 2025 IPL season ?
- If he does, will he retain the captaincy across all formats?
According to BCCI sources , there’s no plan to extend Rohit’s tenure as captain beyond this phase. This opens the door for a new leader to step up and guide the team into the future.
Kapil Dev’s Bold Suggestion: Hardik Pandya as Captain
Speaking to MyKhel , Kapil Dev made a compelling case for Hardik Pandya to take over as the captain of India’s white-ball teams (ODI and T20).
Why Hardik Pandya?
- Youth and Energy: At just 31 years old , Hardik is young enough to build a team for the future while balancing experience and aggression.
- All Rounder Value: As an all rounder, Hardik brings balance to the team, contributing with both bat and ball a crucial asset for limited overs cricket.
- Leadership Potential: Kapil Dev highlighted Hardik’s ability to inspire and lead, saying, “Hardik Pandya can build the team for upcoming ICC tournaments.”
Kapil also emphasized the need for different captains across formats, pointing out that Hardik hasn’t played Test cricket recently, making him better suited for white ball leadership.
The Case Against Hardik Pandya
While Kapil Dev’s suggestion has gained traction, it’s not without its critics. Some fans and analysts have raised concerns:
- Lack of Test Cricket Experience: Hardik hasn’t played Test matches consistently, raising doubts about his suitability for red-ball leadership.
- Consistency Issues: Over the years, Hardik’s fitness and form have been questioned, though he has shown significant improvement in recent seasons.
Despite these challenges, Kapil believes Hardik’s strengths outweigh his weaknesses, especially in shorter formats where adaptability and versatility are key.
Current Leadership Structure
For now, the Indian team operates under a split-captaincy model:
- Rohit Sharma: Leads the ODI and Test teams .
- Suryakumar Yadav: Captains the T20 team , focusing on experimentation and grooming younger players.
However, with Rohit’s future uncertain post-2025, the BCCI is likely to consolidate leadership under one captain for white-ball formats, paving the way for Hardik Pandya to step into the spotlight.
Final Thoughts
Kapil Dev’s endorsement of Hardik Pandya as India’s next white ball captain highlights the need for fresh ideas and energy in the team. While Rohit Sharma’s leadership has been exemplary, the time is ripe to groom the next generation of players and leaders.
Do you think Hardik Pandya is the right choice to lead India’s ODI and T20 teams? Or should someone else take the reins? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Stay tuned for more updates on Indian cricket and the evolving leadership landscape.