Former Indian all-rounder Suresh Raina has shared his views on the potential future ODI skipper of Team India. He picked Hardik Pandya and claimed that Pandya would be a better captain than Shubman Gill in the ODI format. Raina also suggested that both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli should play in the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Hardik was the captain of the Gujarat Titans in the IPL seasons of 2022 and 2023. In the inaugural season, he led the team to their maiden Indian Premier League title. That year, he scored 487 runs and picked up eight wickets in 15 matches.
Speaking on NDTV consultant Shubankar Mishra’s YouTube channel, Raina acknowledged the leadership qualities of both Gill and Hardik but felt the all-rounder has a slight edge.
“Shubman Gill any day, the way they decide but I think Hardik Pandya will do a lot of miracles in white-ball cricket as a captain,” he said. “Even Shubman Gill can be that guy. Hopefully, he [Hardik] should become captain again.”
Raina compared Hardik’s all-round skills and leadership qualities to two Indian greats — Kapil Dev and MS Dhoni.
He added, “He has experience like Kapil Paji whether it’s batting, bowling or fielding. And he’s a very very positive guy. The way he has performed, he is a captain for the players. I see him as a glimpse of MS Dhoni in him, the way he interact and conduct on the ground, the energy, I like the most.”
Raina also highlighted the importance of Rohit and Kohli’s experience in ODIs, suggesting that their presence would add great depth to India’s squad in the 2027 World Cup.
“Ro-Ko should play the 50-over World Cup because they won Champions Trophy. They have a lot of experience and you know Rohit will play domestics; he is even practicing. All depends on the selectors what team they are forming.”
At present, Rohit Sharma remains an active ODI player and is the captain of the Indian team. He is expected to feature in the upcoming three-match ODI series in Australia, scheduled to begin on October 19.
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