Rohit Sharma approaches the end of his white captain’s tenure, and his attention shifts to Indian leadership who may take over limited cricket. Legendary all-rounder Kapil Dev said there are many competitors in the position but supports Hardik Pandya to lead the national cricket team.

Hardik Pandya is expected to replace Rohit Sharma as captain of India’s T20I after the 2024 T20 World Cup championship. However, the selector chose the Suryakumar Yadav leadership side. Although Pandya is part of the team, Axar Patel was recently appointed deputy captain for the T20I series against England.

Hardik Pandya is my white captain – Kapil Dev

In a conversation with Mykhel, Kapil Dev shares his personal choice for India’s next limited-edition captain. The former World Cup champion captain supported Hardik Pandya in the role, noting that he was the best choice for several strong contenders.

“For me, Hardik Pandya is my white team captain. The Post has a lot of competitors, but Pandya is my choice,” Kapil Dev said at the PGTI Pro-Am event in Greater Noida on Saturday (April 5).

Hardik was captain of India in 16 T20is, with 10 wins and a tie. After Rohit Sharma retired from format, the selector appointed Suryakumar Yadav as full-time T20I captain. Shubman Gill is the deputy captain of India during its 2025 ICC Championship Trophy.

A team can be built for the next ICC competition – Kapil dev

Kapil Dev has praised his growth and maturity in recent years. He noted that Pandya’s age and leadership made him a strong candidate for coaching the team’s upcoming ICC competition, adding that it was difficult to surpass him as the captain role.

“Pandya is still very young and can build a team in the next ICC game,” Kapil said.

Hardik is Rohit Sharma’s representative during the 2024 T20 World Cup by the West Indies and the United States. He was also the vice captain during the 2023 ODI World Cup, but he had to withdraw from the game halfway due to injury. Pandya is currently in the vice principal position in any format.

India will need multiple captains in three formats – Kapil Dev

The former Indian captain also said it is unlikely that India will have a captain in all three formats. He mentioned that while Hardik Pandya was his preferred choice for the white ball leadership, his absence in Test cricket means India will need a different captain in each format.

“Ideally, Hadick should also play Test cricket, and since he doesn’t play, India will need multiple captains to be in three formats,” he said.

Under Hardik Pandya, the Mumbai Indians began the IPL 2025 season with four goals losing to the Chennai Super Kings. He scored 11 points on 17 goals against the Gujarat Titans and added 28 goals against the Lucknow Super Giants. Pandya takes up eight wickets on average, with the best number being 5/36.

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