Jay Shah namedrops Hardik Pandya while answering a query on India's next T20I captain but leaves final decision to selectors

Hardik Pandya, who has led the Indian team in the absence of Rohit Sharma in the past two years, is in the running to become the full-time captain in the shortest format of the game. Rohit called time on his T20I career after leading India to the T20 World Cup title last month.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah asserted on Monday that the selectors will decide who will replace Rohit as India's new T20I captain.

“Captaincy will be decided by the selectors and we will announce it after discussing with them,” Shah was quoted as saying by News18 Cricket Next.

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Shah namedropped the all-rounder while answering a query on him potentially being Rohit's successor. Hardik had a phenomenal record as captain in the shortest format of the game ahead of his move to Mumbai Indians for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. The five-time champions finished last under his leadership and his dismal form with bat and ball also didn't help his team's cause. However, the BCCI placed their trust in him and Shah was happy that the Baroda cricketer came up trumps during the recently concluded T20 World Cup.

“You asked about Hardik, there were a lot of questions over his form but we and the selectors showed faith in him and he proved himself,” Shah said.

Hardik scored 144 runs at a strike rate of 151.57 and took 11 wickets at an economy of 7.64 during India's triumphant T20 World Cup-winning campaign. He bowled the last over in the final against South Africa and picked up the wickets of David Miller and Kagiso Rabada. This was after he had already dismissed the dangerous Heinrich Klaasen, which was the turning point in the riveting encounter. After the final, Hardik remained tightlipped over him succeeding Rohit.

“There is a lot of time for 2026. I am very happy for both Rohit and Virat…two giants and legends of Indian cricket, who thoroughly deserved this. It has been so amazing playing with them for so many years. We all will miss them but at the same point, this is the best farewell we can give them,” Pandya said after the final.

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India's next assignment is a five-match T20I series against Zimbabwe, starting on July 6. The BCCI decided to rest most of the senior players for the tour. The Men in Blue will be led by Shubman Gill.