Hardik Pandya has been stripped of India's white-ball captaincy in recent times.
Having played the T20 World Cup 2024 as vice-captain, India all-rounder Hardik Pandya was one of the front-runners to take over the leadership mantle after Rohit Sharma retired from the shortest format.
However, when the squad for the current Sri Lanka tour was announced last July, Hardik was listed only as a player, with Suryakumar Yadav being handed the T20I captaincy.
Not only this, the deputy role was also taken away from Hardik. While Shubman Gill was named vice-captain on the tour of Sri Lanka, Axar Patel was recently named Suryakumar’s deputy for the ongoing five-T20I series against England at home.
Speaking on Star Sports' programme 'Deep Point', former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar addressed Pandya’s case, saying that the all-rounder’s commitment to domestic cricket and changes in BCCI's selection committee would determine whether he can become a long-term option for India's white-ball captaincy.
"The dynamics of Indian cricket can change with new management in the BCCI or the selection committee. Everyone has a unique approach. For Pandya, the key will be to show his willingness to play consistently. He hardly plays first-class cricket, but if he starts doing so, it will strengthen his case," Manjrekar opined.
He highlighted Hardik Pandya's impressive record in marquee events, recalling his vital contributions during the 2019 World Cup in England.
"Pandya has always been good at ICC tournaments. Not many people remember that during the 2019 World Cup, Hardik was India's go-to bowler on those pitches," Manjrekar remarked.
Manjrekar also emphasized the critical role Pandya's fitness will play in determining his effectiveness in the 50-over format.
"You have to run a lot, especially in the middle overs. T20 brings a different set of pressures, but the physical demands in ODIs are much higher-especially for an all-rounder who bowls 7-10 overs and then bats at No. 5 or 6. Physical fitness is crucial," Manjrekar added.
On the other hand, former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar sees Hardik Pandya as someone who can replicate the legendary MS Dhoni’s finisher role in the ODI set-up.
Hardik has played 86 ODIs so far, amassing 1769 runs at a fantastic strike rate of 110 plus. He also has 84 wickets to his name in the 50-over format.
"In 50-over matches, Pandya has come the closest to replicating MS Dhoni's role as a finisher. Dhoni used to take games deep, and his influence is most visible on Pandya," Bangar said.
"We've seen him take games to the 49th or 50th over and secure wins. At the same time, he's capable of rebuilding an innings if the team is struggling at 30-4. His ability to adapt to various situations is amazing," he explained.
Bangar lauded Pandya's composure and maturity during the transition phase, saying, "It takes a person with a big heart to face everything with a smile. His graciousness in passing the captaincy to Suryakumar was commendable.
"Deep down, every cricketer aspires to grow, and I believe Pandya will hope for another chance to captain the Indian team."
(With PTI Inputs)