Not Shubman Gill! Kapil Dev Backs 31-Year-Old Star To Replace Rohit Sharma As Next India White-Ball Captain

In an interaction with MyKhel during a PGTI pro-am event in Greater Noida, Kapil Dev said that Hardik Pandya is his choice to become the next white-ball captain of Team India. He is relatively young at 31 years old, and he can build a team around him for the next ICC events.

Rohit Sharma is one of the successful Indian captains of all time in limited-overs cricket. He is only the second captain after MS Dhoni to win both the T20 World Cup and Champions Trophy. He also led India to the final of the ODI World Cup 2023.

With him having already retired from T20Is, and his career being in the twilight in the remaining two formats, there have been speculations as to who will succeed. Shubman Gill is the current vice-captain and the favourite to take on the leadership mantle once Rohit steps away. However, legendary India captain Kapil Dev has a different opinion.

In an interaction with MyKhel during a PGTI pro-am event in Greater Noida, Kapil Dev said that Hardik Pandya is his choice to become the next white-ball captain of Team India. He is relatively young at 31 years old, and he can build a team around him for the next ICC events. ALSO READ: Jasprit Bumrah Returns; Celebrations In MI Camp "To me, Hardik Pandya is my white ball captain.

There are many contenders for the pos,t but Pandya is my choice. Pandya is relatively young and can build a team around him for the next ICC events," the legend said. 'Hardik Pandya Should Also Play Test Cricket' Kapil Dev also suggested that Hardik Pandya should play Test cricket as well.

However, since he is not playing the longest format, India will need multiple captains for the three different formats. "Ideally, Hardik should also play Test cricket and since he isn't playing, India will need multiple captains for three formats," Kapil added. Hardik Pandya was the T20 captain for India from the T20 World Cup 2022 final right through the majority of 2023, since Rohit Sharma did not play in the format for more than a year.

However, after the arrival of Gautam Gambhir as the head coach, Suryakumar Yadav was made the permanent T20I captain after Rohit retired. Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from IPL 2025,IPL Orange Cap, IPL Purple Cap, Most Sixes in IPL, Cricket, Sports and around the world..