Former New Zealand all-rounder Scott Styris believes no one will be surprised if India all-rounder Hardik Pandya captains the T20 team in the future.
Pandya has done exceptionally well as a leader in recent months. He won the IPL 2022 title against Gujarat Titans at IPL 2022. Pandya was named vice-captain during the tied 2-2 T20I series against South Africa at home in June. Following this, there was speculation that Pandya might become the captain of T20 in the future. At the same time, he was named India’s captain on the tour of Ireland.
In the absence of several regulars, Pandya captained India to a 2-0 T20I series win over Ireland in June and led India to a massive 88-run victory over the West Indies in the fifth T20I in Florida, USA.
Styris said on the ‘Sports Over the Top’ program on Sports18: “There is talk of Pandya being the captain. At the same time, Hardik Pandya has shown it every time with his game.” He said: “Hardik Pandya definitely has the personality of today’s player, where he wants to go on the pitch and expand and show his skills and say how good he is. Everyone in the team is so good. Playing with style. So, I wouldn’t be surprised.” if in the future we see Hardik Pandya leading this T20 team.”
Earlier, after the fifth T20 match against the West Indies ended on Sunday, Pandya had said he was up for a regular captaining role in the Indian team. He said: “Yes! Why not? If I have a chance in the future, I would be very happy to do it, but right now we have the Asian Cup and the World Cup, which we need to focus on first.”