Kapil Dev backs Hardik Pandya as India’s white-ball captain, urges Gambhir to build team around him

Former India captain Kapil Dev has thrown his full support behind Hardik Pandya to lead India in white-ball formats, calling him the ideal successor to Rohit Sharma in both ODIs and T20Is. With India clinching the T20 World Cup 2024 and Champions Trophy 2025, questions over India’s next full-time white-ball captain are intensifying — and Kapil has made his choice clear.

Kapil Dev wants continuity under Pandya

Speaking to MyKhel, Kapil Dev said:

“To me, Hardik Pandya is my white-ball captain. There are many contenders for the post, but Pandya is my choice.”

Kapil believes that while there are young names rising through the ranks — like Shubman Gill and Suryakumar Yadav — it is Hardik’s experience and presence that make him a natural leader for the next ICC cycle.

Hardik Pandya’s mixed leadership record

Though Pandya led Gujarat Titans to an IPL title in 2022 and a final in 2023, his captaincy has recently come under scrutiny. Since rejoining Mumbai Indians and replacing Rohit Sharma as skipper in IPL 2024, MI have struggled — finishing at the bottom of the table last season, and managing just one win in four games so far this year.

Still, Kapil remains firm:

“Pandya is relatively young and can build a team around him for the next ICC events.”

Call for Pandya to return to Test cricket

Kapil Dev also hinted that India may need to embrace split-captaincy across formats, given Hardik’s absence from the red-ball setup.

“Ideally, Hardik should also play Test cricket. But since he isn’t, India will need multiple captains for the three formats,” Kapil stated.

Hardik last played a Test for India over six years ago and has since focused on ODIs and T20Is. He has also avoided domestic red-ball tournaments, further distancing himself from the longest format.

Suryakumar and Shubman in the picture

After Rohit Sharma stepped down from T20Is post the 2024 World Cup win, Suryakumar Yadav took over as captain in the shortest format. Meanwhile, Shubman Gill is serving as ODI vice-captain. But with Gambhir reportedly a strong candidate to take over the coaching reins from Rahul Dravid, Kapil believes it’s the right time to build a stable core with Pandya as the leader.

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