Hardik Pandya to lead India in Champions Trophy 2025 if Rohit Sharma loses captaincy

Hardik Pandya to lead India in Champions Trophy 2025 if Rohit Sharma loses captaincy – Reports

Jan 3, 2025

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Hardik Pandya to lead India in Champions Trophy 2025 if Rohit Sharma loses captaincy – Reports

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Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya

In a move that could redefine the leadership landscape of Indian cricket, all-rounder Hardik Pandya is poised to take the captaincy of the Indian cricket team for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, should current skipper Rohit Sharma be sidelined. This development comes in the wake of Rohit’s recent decision to skip the fifth Test in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, stirring discussions about his future as captain in the white-ball format.

Leadership transition on the horizon

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly been engaging in discussions about who should lead the team into next year’s Champions Trophy. With Rohit’s absence from the Sydney Test match, the selectors are considering their options, with Pandya emerging as the top choice to helm the team in the ODI tournament.

Media reports confirm that if Rohit’s role as ODI captain is questioned or if he opts out, Pandya, with his proven track record of leading in high-pressure scenarios, could be the new face of Indian cricket leadership.

“Hardik has the knack for leading in high-pressure situations, and his experience as an all-rounder and leader makes him an ideal choice for an ICC tournament like the Champions Trophy,” a source told MyKhel as quoted by Hindustan Times.

Also READ: AUS vs IND: Here’s why Rohit Sharma is not playing the Sydney Test

Rohit Sharma’s future in question

Rohit, who led India to the T20 World Cup title in 2024 before retiring from the format, has been the subject of much speculation regarding his role across cricket formats. His decision to skip the Sydney Test has fueled debates about his commitment to Test cricket and, by extension, his leadership in the one-day format. Although Rohit hasn’t yet announced anything, his position in ODIs is under review, especially with the Champions Trophy looming.

Hardik Pandya’s leadership credentials

Pandya’s leadership credentials are well established, having captained India in various white-ball matches and showing commendable performance in the IPL. His all-round capabilities, alongside his knack for managing both senior and young players, position him as a strong contender.