World Cup 2023: In the high-stakes world of cricket, the mantle of captaincy holds paramount importance, especially for a cricket-passionate nation like India. The recent India vs. Australia ODI series gave fans a glimpse of what future captaincy might look like. KL Rahul led Team India in the first two matches of the three-match ODI series and showcased impressive leadership, with India clinching both games seamlessly. These victories under KL Rahul’s guidance naturally ignited speculations among fans: Who would take the reins of captaincy post the World Cup 2023 if Rohit Sharma decides to step down?
Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya both took a breather for the first two ODI matches. It’s worth noting that since the T20 World Cup in 2022, Hardik Pandya has donned the captain’s hat for the Indian T20 team. In ODIs, during Rohit Sharma’s absence, it has often been Pandya who has taken charge. This frequent responsibility places Pandya slightly ahead of KL Rahul in the captaincy race.
World Cup 2023: The World Cup 2023, set to grace Indian grounds starting October 5, will witness Hardik Pandya as the vice-captain, supporting the helm held by Rohit Sharma. Earlier this year, Pandya was granted the vice-captaincy in the ODI format, leading the squad against Australia in the series’ inaugural match in March. Moreover, during the tour against the West Indies, Pandya again showcased his leadership capabilities by captaining in the final two ODI matches.
While KL Rahul’s brief captaincy during the series against Australia drew accolades, many believe Hardik Pandya, given his consistent leadership roles, is the primary contender to take over the captaincy once Rohit Sharma decides to pass the baton.
World Cup 2023: While KL Rahul’s captaincy has showcased his leadership skills, Hardik Pandya, with his consistent track record, seems to be the front-runner for the coveted position post the 2023 World Cup. The ultimate decision, however, lies with the board and the selectors, who will consider various factors to make the best choice for Team India.
