Hardik Pandya Recommended For T20I Captain Role Post-Rohit Sharma: Anjum Chopra

India is eagerly awaiting the announcement of their new T20I captain. Anjum Chopra has suggested that Hardik Pandya should succeed Rohit Sharma, who retired after India's semi-final loss at the T20 World Cup 2022. Pandya was previously nominated as captain when Rohit took a break from T20I cricket.

In an exclusive interview with MyKhel.com, Anjum Chopra shared her views on the ongoing debate between Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav for the captaincy role. She stated, "No, I don't have any thoughts on it because I think he was the nominated captain. I mean, I don't have a thought against it or for it, because the reason was the nominated captain for the Indian team because he got injured. Then Surya took over in South Africa. If I remember correctly earlier this year in South Africa. So I think last year before the World Cup happened, he was the one who was chosen as the captain. You would want to give it to Hardik first."

Anjum Chopra expressed her opinion that being named vice-captain does not necessarily mean automatic promotion to captaincy. Hardik Pandya served as India's vice-captain during the T20 World Cup 2024.

However, she believes that Hardik should take over India's T20I captaincy because selectors initially chose him when Rohit Sharma decided to step away from T20I matches for over a year.

The BCCI selection committee had named Hardik Pandya as captain, with many expecting him to lead India at the T20 World Cup 2024. Unfortunately, an injury during the ODI World Cup 2023 sidelined him until IPL 2024.

Suryakumar Yadav stepped in to lead India in several series during Hardik's absence before Rohit Sharma returned to reclaim his position. BCCI secretary Jay Shah announced months before the ICC event that Rohit would lead at the T20 World Cup 2024.

"I don't pay much heed to the fact. I mean, you can always have a vice-captain getting promoted, but I think it's because Hardik was the nominated captain, that's why he was given the vice-captaincy role and that's fair," said Anjum Chopra.

"I think, yeah, Hardik will take the mantle. As I said last year, he was a nominated captain, he got injured, did not play and all those things but I feel it's absolutely fair to give it to him. If India selectors had not given it to him, and given it to Surya, then my answer would have been Surya. But then they've given it to him. So I think one should go back to him and give that respect and honour," she added.

Further elaborating on India's leadership options, Anjum Chopra noted that India is fortunate to have multiple leaders and match-winners within their ranks. She highlighted players like Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Rishabh Pant, Jasprit Bumrah and Shubman Gill who have all led India in various capacities.

"At the end of the day, I think now, because we are world champions, we have match winners in our team, we have captains in our team. Imagine we have Surya, we have Rishabh, we have Hardik, we have Shubman, we have Bumrah. We have five which we can count clearly. Sanju if he makes it to the team. But at least we have five who have led the Indian team. So at least we have that option and people have taken responsibility leading India. So that matters and is a good thing," she said.

The BCCI's selection meeting for India's tour of Sri Lanka was reportedly postponed on Wednesday. The decision regarding India's next T20I captain is expected by week's end.