Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar reckons Hardik Pandya still has a chance to be India’s long-term captaincy solution. The all-rounder is currently out of the picture in the leadership group, with the selectors preferring Shubman Gill and Axar Patel as vice-captains and SKY and Rohit as captains. While fitness was one of the issues that forced Hardik to be stripped off leadership responsibilites, Manjrekar opines that certain key factors can strengthen Pandya’s case.
How can Hardik Pandya become India captain?
Speaking on Star Sports show ‘Deep Point’, Manjrekar pointed out that one of the factors that could help in Hardik becoming captain was a change in team management or selectors. He explained that each group had a unique approach and a change of guard could help in Pandya’s ascension. Further, Manjrekar said that the all-rounder must show the willingness to play first-class and domestic cricket in order to strenghten his case as long-term captaincy solution for India.
“The dynamics of Indian cricket can change with new management in the BCCI or the selection committee. Everyone has a unique approach. For Pandya, the key will be to show his willingness to play consistently. He hardly plays first-class cricket, but if he starts doing so, it will strengthen his case,” Manjrekar said.
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Manjrekar pointed out that while Pandya was very good in ICC tournaments for India, his fitness will play a crucial role in the matter, especially in ODIs. He explained how the pressure in T20s was completely different when it came to 50-over formats.
“You have to run a lot, especially in the middle overs. T20 brings a different set of pressures, but the physical demands in ODIs are much higher-especially for an all-rounder who bowls 7-10 overs and then bats at No. 5 or 6. Physical fitness is crucial,” Manjrekar added.
After being tipped to be India’s next skipper in T20Is, Hardik was snubbed for SKY. At that time, the reasoning given by chief selector Ajit Agarkar was that India needed a captain who will be on the field in each game, dropping a hint on the concerns with Pandya’s fitness.
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