'Yeah, why not?': Hardik Pandya on becoming Indian team's permanent captain in future
Can Hardik Pandya become India's permanent captain in the future?
India continued their dominant run in the fifth and final T20I against West Indies on Sunday (August 07) as they thrashed the hosts by 88 runs to win the five-match series 4-1. It was yet another impressive all-round performance from the Men in Blue, who posted a strong total of 188 runs on the board and managed to defend it comfortably to register an emphatic victory.
Captain Rohit Sharma missed the game as he was rested from the final encounter along with a few other senior players like Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Rishabh Pant and Suryakumar Yadav. Hardik Pandya led the team in his absence and ensured India continued their stellar run in the series with a clinical victory against the hosts.
"Very special to get a chance to lead your country. And getting that chance and getting that victory means a lot to me as captain and an individual. I was just following our captain's roles," Pandya said after India's convincing win in the 5th T20I.
It was not the first time Pandya led India as he made his captaincy debut during the team's tour of Ireland earlier this year where he had led the side in two T20Is in the absence of Rohit and other senior players. Pandya was elevated to captaincy by the Indian team management after his excellent show in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022.
The star all-rounder led Gujarat Titans to their maiden IPL title in their debut season while showcasing excellent leadership qualities throughout the tournament. He has now become a part of India's leadership group and is a major contender to become a permanent captain of the national team in the future.
)
Sajeeb Wazed raises Indian security concerns, calls Bangladesh a 'failed state'
)
Did Trump's helicopter nearly collide with a passenger jet? US launches probe
)
Scientists find descendants of ancient sea creatures trapped under Antarctica's Blood Falls
)
Ukrainian astronomers see gargantuan objects dashing at 39,600 kmph on the Moon - 'They can reach Earth in 20 minutes'
)
Pentagon draws up new nuclear strategy in the event of war with Russia and China
)
'Time to step away': Cambridge's youngest Black professor resigns amid plagiarism row - What we know
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Who is Shreya Kalra? Meet the social media star who lifted the Lock Upp 2 trophy
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
New OTT releases this week (August 3-9, 2026): Main Vaapas Aaunga, Uyir, Operation Safed Sagar- 6 titles coming on Netflix, Prime Video and more
)
The genetic roots of Tamils: 75,000 DNA markers decoded in latest study of Sangam-era settlement
)
The Royals enter the Doctor Who universe: King Charles and Queen Camilla beam into Commonwealth Games in TARDIS
)
India avoids higher US tariff, secures lower 10% rate. Here's how
)
Munir-protege Mohsin Naqvi’s claim of unearthing huge scam triggers tremors in Pakistan’s power corridors
)
UP gangster Atiq Ahmed's son, on way to meet jailed brother, killed in road accident in Jhansi
)
Strait of Hormuz deal with Oman being ‘finalised’: Iran’s foreign ministry
)
Trump says Iranian school bombing photos could be AI-generated - 'I don’t think...'
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why Russian tanks are much lighter compared to US tanks
)
Ex top Pakistan official blames economic woes on China: Here's how CPEC became a failure
)
'I was almost trafficked in Paris,' says Australian woman, shares terrifying ordeal - 'I am on the black market'
)
Mark Zuckerberg apologises to Indian government over harmful content, platform errors amid PM video row
)
‘Pakistan called for ceasefire, we kept them waiting’: Ex-CDS Anil Chauhan recalls Operation Sindoor
)
Several Indian states ban analogue paneer: Experts explain what it is and the health risks | WION Decodes
)
American blogger Perez Hilton, covered in blood, cuts himself during livestream, hospitalized after distressing incident
)
'Dhoni Made Fleming Great': Panesar says ECB made the wrong choice for England Test coach
)
'Affront to our sovereignty': Bangladesh slams India over Sheikh Hasina's Delhi press conference
)
What’s happening in Nepal? How did a local clash turn into communal violence? WION Decodes
)
CJP's Saurav Das alleges YouTubers broke into his house, seeks Delhi Police action
)
India deploys joint outbreak response team as Chandipura virus spreads in Gujarat, Rajasthan
)
Lightning bolt strikes football field in Thailand, killing a player during a match
)
Trump administration refunds $100 billion in tariffs after Supreme Court ruling
When asked about the possibility of being named India's permanent captain, Pandya said he would be more than happy to take the responsibility. "Yeah, why not? If I get an opportunity, I'll be more than happy to do that," said the star all-rounder, who is also reportedly in line to be named India's vice-captain for the T20 World Cup 2022 later this year.
Pandya will not be seen in action during India's upcoming tour of Zimbabwe as he has been rested from the three-match ODI series where Shikhar Dhawan is set to lead the side. The all-rounder is expected to return for India in the Asia Cup 2022 which will be played in the UAE later this month.