Kolkata : As per reports, Indian allrounder Hardik Pandya is frontrunner to take up India’s captaincy for upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 if BCCI decides to ease off burden from current ODI skipper of India – Rohit Sharma.
High and low of Rohit Sharma in 2024
The year 2024 1st half proved to be great for Rohit Sharma as captain. India tied Test series 1-1 in South Africa, later in June-July, the 37 years old guided India to their 2nd ICC T20 WC title. Rohit along with Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja retired from T20I format after this feat.
After that, they convincingly bagged Test series against Bangladesh, but this was the last of it all.
The later half of 2024 proved to be curse for Indian captain Rohit Sharma as skipper. He lost ODI series against Sri Lanka 1-0.
India got whitewashed in Test series against New Zealand 3-0, a home test defeat after 12 years of dominance. Later, in Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, things got worse. As soon as Rohit joined the Indian team as leader, that won against Australia in Perth convincingly, from 2nd Test, things began to turn and Australia are now leading the series 2-1.
Not only this, Rohit’s form with Bat was poor too, as the veteran scored only 31 runs in 6 innings. As a result of which, Rohit opted out of the 5th Test in Sydney, putting questions over his future in Test Cricket. Although he revealed that he’s not retiring in near future, his place in the longest format is doubtful.
Why not Rohit in ICC Champion’s Trophy 2025 ?
This downfall has raised questions over his participation and leading the Indian side in February’s Champions Trophy, for ODI Cricket. There are reports, whispers around the Cricketing circles regarding BCCI’s hunt for new leadership options in ODI format, the only format along with Test Cricket that Rohit is playing.
Rohit’s participation in Champions Trophy appears more doubtful after reports claimed that he along with Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah would likely be rested for upcoming ODI series against England in February, the only ODI series prior to Champions Trophy.
Rohit hasn’t played much ODI Cricket after India’s defeat against Australia in ICC ODI WC 2023 final. He featured in only one ODI in August 2024 against Sri Lanka, where India suffered defeat. Therefore, as per reports, BCCI is looking for alternative leadership options, as Rohit’s unavailability is probable or the board might ease off duties from the 37 years old.
Why Hardik Pandya as captain in ICC Champions Trophy 2025 ?
Sources close to the BCCI have hinted that Hardik could be considered for the ODI captaincy if the board decides to ease Rohit’s burden. “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.
While young Shubman Gill was named vice-captain during India’s recent tour of Sri Lanka, his patchy form and lack of experience may work against him as an immediate captaincy candidate.
Similarly, Suryakumar Yadav, India’s T20I skipper, despite his success in T20Is, has struggled to cement his place in the ODI setup, making him a less viable option for now. Rishabh Pant – another potential candidate – has been struggling with consistency.
“Gill needs more grooming to mature into a leader, and SKY’s ODI performances haven’t been convincing enough. Hardik remains the most balanced option to lead India in ODIs if Rohit is unavailable,” the source added.
Hardik has previously led India in three ODIs — against Australia in March 2023 (5-wicket win), and against the West Indies in July and August of the same year (6-wicket defeat and a 200-run win). His abled leadership, alongwith his wicket taking and power hitting abilities make him great captain and feared player.
It is worth noticing that Rohit and the newly appointed chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar had in August last year reportedly threatened to resign if Hardik – the vice-captain of the T20 World Cup-winning Indian side – was appointed captain of the T20I side.
The Champions Trophy, set to be held in hybrid model with India playing their matches outside Pakistan, at Dubai, is crucial tournament for the Men in Blue to stamp their authority in the 50-over format, especially after ODI WC Final loss at home in 2023.
With Rohit’s captaincy under the scanner and the team management likely to explore contingency plans, Hardik’s appointment as ODI skipper could signal a new era for Indian cricket.
Whether Rohit Sharma will continue as India’s ODI captain or step aside remains to be seen. What’s certain, however, is that India will need strong, adaptable leadership to navigate the challenges of the Champions Trophy, where the top 8 teams in the world will fight for the coveted trophy. India are seeded with defending champion Pakistan, Bangladesh and New Zealand.
The team where Kohli, Rohit or Bumrah are uncertain to play, Hardik Pandya might be the perfect leader for Indian team.
