Won't be surprised seeing Hardik Pandya lead India in future in T20Is: Scott Styris
India Today
Former New Zealand all-rounder Scott Styris said Hardik Pandya has the ability in him to lead India full-time in T20I cricket. India named KL Rahul as Rohit Sharma's deputy for the Asia Cup, starting August 27.
Former New Zealand all-rounder Scott Styris has said he wouldn't be surprised to see Hardik Pandya taking over as the full-time captain for India in T20I cricket, saying the India all-rounder's style is naturally suited to the shortest format of the game.
Hardik Pandya, who has climbed the ladder in the leadership group, led India in the 2-match T20I series against Ireland in Ireland. He was named India's stand-in captain during the final T20I of a 5-match series against the West Indies on Sunday, August 7, when full-time captain Rohit Sharma was rested.
Hardik had earned his place in the leadership group after shining in his maiden stint as captain in the Indian Premier League. The Boroda star led Gujarat Titans to the title in their maiden season in IPL in 2022.
However, when the BCCI announced the squad for Asia Cup T20 on Monday, KL Rahul returned as the vice-captain. Rahul, who has not played international cricket since the start of IPL 2022, returned to the squad as Rohit's deputy for the continental tournament.
"I wouldn't be surprised maybe not for this tournament, but in the future that we do see Hardik Pandya leading this T20 team," Styris told News 18.
"I think it's an intriguing discussion because again, six months ago, I don't think it's something we all thought would even be talked about, but Hardik Pandya has made every poster winner. And you know, you see it a lot in football, where players of character and personality are often given the armband to be captain to also allow them to show some responsibility," he added.
Additionally, Styris added that Hardik being the captain will have a positive effect on the team, especially at a time when India are trying to play a more aggressive brand of T20I cricket.
