VVS Laxman’s conclusion on Hardik Pandya as India’s next captain
Hardik Pandya led India to a 2-0 win over Ireland in his first assignment as captain earlier this year, but his true test will come on Friday when he leads a young Indian team against New Zealand in a three-match T20I series. Hardik’s leadership abilities will be scrutinised even more now that he has emerged as the frontrunner, leapfrogging KL Rahul, who struggled with the bat in the T20 World Cup, to take over the T20 reins from Rohit Sharma as India looks to build a team for the future.
Hardik’s development as a leader has been phenomenal in the last year or so. It was on full display when he led Gujarat Titans to their first IPL title. Even now, when he plays for India, he exudes calmness and maturity beyond his years. When India’s backs were against the wall during the chase against Pakistan in a T20 World Cup match, Virat Kohli said it was Hardik who kept him calm.
VVS Laxman, India’s acting head coach, said ahead of the first T20I against New Zealand that the all-rounder is a “players’ captain.” Hardik has four major leadership qualities, according to the former India batter. On the eve of the series opener in Wellington, Lakshman stated that Hardik is a fantastic leader, and they have seen what he has done in the IPL. He spent time with Hardik from Ireland, and his presence and work ethic are both exceptional. Aside from that, he is approachable as a player’s captain. Players come to him for advice, and he leads by example.
According to Laxman, IPL has helped establish a talent pool in white-ball cricket, while the resilient domestic cricket framework has done the same in red-ball cricket.
Notably, Laxman was India’s coach when Hardik was captain earlier this year in Ireland. The first task for Hardik and Laxman shall be to peel away the conservative label that has dogged India in the last two T20 World Cups.
Laxman stated that playing in New Zealand is always difficult, especially for bowlers and fielders.
He clarified that it is not about the smaller grounds, but about the dimensions of the ground. There are no traditional cricket grounds in Wellington or Aukland. The best part about international cricket is that we have to adapt to different conditions and situations, and he is confident that the team will do so. They must devise and execute a strategy based on their opponents’ strengths and weaknesses. Laxman also mentioned how much he has enjoyed his time as a coach.
As a captain, Hardik Pandya has had a lot of success. It all began in the IPL 2022, when he led Gujarat Titans to victory. He has also had success with Team India since then.
After Rohit Sharma was rested, the all-rounder will lead India in the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand. India will play three Twenty20 Internationals, and Hardik is the favourite to replace Rohit as captain in the shortest format.
Laxman acknowledged that the shorter format requires more multi-dimensional players i.e., all-rounders, such as pacers who can bat and batsmen who can bowl.
In terms of developing strategies against players like Finn Allen, Laxman stated that analytics are critical for the team in developing strategies against not only every player, but also those who are unfamiliar with the team.
On a busy cricket schedule, Laxman conceded that this is the case, and that India is fortunate to have so many talented individuals to choose from.