Can Hardik Pandya still return as India captain in the white-ball formats?

Hardik Pandya led India in 16 T20Is before the selection committee, headed by Chairman Ajit Agarkar, and Head Coach Gautam Gambhir made the decision to hand over the captaincy to Suryakumar Yadav for the shortest format. While the leadership change marked a shift in direction for the Men in Blue, Pandya’s stint as captain left a lasting impact. The Baroda all-rounder had already demonstrated his leadership potential in 2022 when he captained Gujarat Titans to the Indian Premier League (IPL) title in the franchise’s debut season. This was Hardik's first experience as an IPL captain, and he passed the test with flying colors, leading his team to the ultimate glory. He also guided the Titans to the finals the following season, further cementing his credentials as a captain.

Under Pandya's leadership, India won 11 out of the 16 T20Is in which he was at the helm. His leadership during the T20 World Cup the previous year was also notable, as he served as the vice-captain of the Indian squad that lifted the trophy. Despite his success as a leader in both international and IPL cricket, the ongoing T20I series against England has seen Axar Patel assume the captaincy role for India. This move marks a new phase in India’s T20I leadership, as Suryakumar and Axar take on more responsibilities in the shortest format of the game.

Sanjay Manjrekar believes that Hardik Pandya could re-enter the captaincy conversation if he shows the commitment to consistently play domestic cricket. According to the former India cricketer, playing regularly in domestic competitions would not only improve Hardik’s form but also demonstrate his hunger and determination to lead the Indian team again. Manjrekar also pointed out that a potential change in the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) selection committee could work in Hardik’s favor. A fresh approach from the new selection panel might offer him more opportunities to showcase his leadership qualities and reignite his chances of captaining India in the future. While Hardik has already proved himself as a capable leader in the IPL and during his tenure as India’s T20I captain, Manjrekar feels that regular domestic cricket could play a key role in reviving his leadership prospects at the international level.

"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," said former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar. 

Sanjay Manjrekar also took a moment to reflect on Hardik Pandya's significant contributions in ICC events over the years, particularly highlighting his performances during the 2019 ODI World Cup. Manjrekar emphasized that Pandya was India's go-to bowler in that 10-team tournament, showcasing his crucial role in both the batting and bowling departments. His ability to deliver under pressure made him one of the standout performers for India during that World Cup.

The former cricketer also touched upon the challenges of being a fast-bowling all-rounder in ODI cricket. Manjrekar noted that the workload of a player like Hardik is much higher compared to other specialists, given the dual responsibility of both bowling and batting. He pointed out that maintaining top fitness levels is key to ensuring that Hardik can continue to perform at his best, especially with the upcoming Champions Trophy in 2025 on the horizon. Manjrekar stressed that Hardik's fitness will be a crucial factor in determining his effectiveness in that prestigious tournament, where India will rely on his all-round abilities to make a significant impact.