Wasim Jaffer feels that Hardik Pandya is a strong candidate to take over the white-ball captaincy from Rohit Sharma.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Jaffer feels Hardik deserved to be named captain for Ireland series
- Jaffer claims Pandya should be named as Rohit’s deputy in white ball cricket
- Jaffer said that the 28-year-old gets the best out of himself and his teammates
Wasim Jaffer feels the Indian selectors made the right call choosing Hardik Pandya as captain for the upcoming T20I series against Ireland in the absence of Rohit Sharma.
The squad for the tour of Ireland was announced recently and Pandya was given the reins of the team. He is currently serving as the deputy of Rishabh Pant in the ongoing series against South Africa.
During an interaction with ESPNCricinfo, Jaffer said that the Gujarat Titans skipper deserves to lead the Indian team against Ireland. He also said that the selectors should look at him seriously as an option for captaincy in white-ball cricket and should be the first choice if Rohit Sharma is unavailable.
“I think he deserves that. Going forward, Indian selectors should look at him seriously leading in white-ball cricket,” said Jaffer.
“Specially if Rohit Sharma is not available, I think Hardik Pandya should be the first choice,” he said.
Jaffer continued by saying that the Indian all-rounder relishes the captaincy role and said he would like to see Pandya be named as the deputy to Rohit Sharma.
“In my opinion, the way he led in the IPL, the way his own performances came through, he is someone who relishes that job and I think going forward, he’s probably my No.1 choice after Rohit Sharma. So, it does make sense that he’s leading the side.”
“If Rohit is playing, I would like Hardik Pandya to be the vice-captain so any time when Rohit misses any game or any series (Hardik will get a chance),” Jaffer said.
Jaffer concluded by saying that the 28-year-old gets the best out of himself and others and should be a candidate to take over the captaincy from Sharma in limitd overs cricket.
“Hardik Pandya, especially in white-ball cricket, he’s somebody who enjoys that job and gets the best out of himself and others. He’s probably my next in line after Rohit Sharma,” said Jaffer.