‘If Hardik Pandya is there, they should not say if…’ - Kapil Dev warns team India selectors over All-rounder’s captaincy

Hardik Pandya is currently busy playing the three-match home ODI series against New Zealand. However, in recent times, he has become the captain of the Men in Blue in the shortest format of the game. Reports also came out that the team have been looking to consider him as the skipper in T20Is while Rohit Sharma will lead in ODIs and Tests. 

In 2022, Pandya showed his captaincy skills. He led the Gujarat franchise to the Indian T20 League title at his maiden attempt only. Then, he led India to victory in the T20I series in Ireland and New Zealand. He also led them to victory in the recently concluded home T20I series against Sri Lanka. Now, regarding this captaincy row, former India cricketer Kapil Dev came up with a warning to the team India selectors.

“The key is that you don't see the error but focus on whether he is ready for taking the team” - Kapil Dev on Hardik Pandya

While talking to Gulf News, Kapil Dev said that if the selectors make Hardik Pandya captain, then they should give him enough time to perform fairly. He said: "I think one shouldn't look at the world. You look at your team and your way of thinking. If Hardik Pandya is there, they should not say if you lose one series, we will remove you.” 

“If you make someone a captain, you have to give him a fairly long rope to make sure he will start performing. He will make mistakes but the key is that you don't see the error but focus on whether he is ready for taking the team and looking for the future. You don’t go series-by-series," Kapil Dev added.      

Speaking about Hardik Pandya, the Men in Blue have lost only two matches so far under his captaincy. So, the Indian Cricket Board are looking to settle a new bunch of players under his captaincy by keeping an eye on the next 20-20 World Cup in 2024.