Kapil Dev picks IPL-winning skipper as India’s next white-ball captain

The legendary Kapil Dev named Hardik Pandya as the ideal candidate to take over white-ball captaincy of the Indian team once Rohit Sharma's reign comes to an end. Hardik is currently leading Mumbai Indians (MI) in the 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.

Hardik led Gujarat Titans (GT) to the IPL title in their maiden appearance in 2022. This was also the first time when the Baroda all-rounder led an IPL team. In the following season, the Titans lost a nail-biting final against Chennai Super Kings. Hardik was the frontrunner to take charge as India's white-ball captain after Rohit. The Choryasi-born led the Men in Blue in 16 T20Is and three ODIs in the absence of the Mumbai batter. India won 10 T20Is and two ODIs during his reign.

However, things went downhill for Hardik after he returned to Mumbai Indians ahead of IPL 2024. The franchise appointed him as their captain, unceremoniously sacking Rohit. This move received widespread criticism from fans. Hardik was also booed at all the IPL venues, including the Wankhede Stadium. Mumbai finished last on the points table under his captaincy to add insult to injury. The 31-year-old managed to win back the hearts of the fans with a stellar display in India's T20 World Cup triumph in 2024. However, after the tournament, Rohit retired from T20Is and Suryakumar Yadav was appointed as the new captain in the shortest format.

However, Kapil believes that Hardik is relatively young and if he is made the captain, he can assemble a strong side for the forthcoming ICC events.

"To me, Hardik Pandya is my white ball captain. There are many contenders for the post but Pandya is my choice. Pandya is relatively young and can build a team around him for the next ICC events," Kapil said during a PGTI pro-am event in Greater Noida.

Also Read: IPL 2025: Hardik Pandya says Mumbai Indians has always been his "favourite team"

Interestingly, Axar Patel was appointed as Suryakumar's deputy in T20Is in January 2025. Meanwhile, Shubman Gill was announced as the vice-captain in the ODI format. Hardik seems to have slipped down the pecking order but a strong performance with Mumbai Indians in IPL 2025 can make his case stronger.

Kapil noted that because Hardik does not play Test cricket, India will have to go ahead with the split-captaincy model if the all-rounder is made the skipper in the white-ball formats.

"Ideally, Hardik should also play Test cricket and since he isn't playing, India will need multiple captain for three formats," Kapil said.

Hardik played the last of his 11 Test matches in September 2018. He will be seen in action on Monday, April 7 in the high-voltage clash between Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Wankhede Stadium.