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Rohit Sharma’s leadership position in Indian cricket is under scrutiny following his recent struggles in Test cricket and his decision to sit out the fifth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. Amid growing speculation about Rohit’s future in the limited-overs formats, reports suggest that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is considering Hardik Pandya as a potential captain for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
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Hardik Pandya: A Strong Contender for Leadership
Hardik Pandya has emerged as a leading candidate to take charge of the Men in Blue for the high-stakes ICC tournament. A source revealed to My Khel, as quoted by the Hindustan Times, “Hardik has the knack for leading in high-pressure situations, and his experience as an all-rounder and leader makes him an ideal choice for an ICC tournament like the Champions Trophy.”
Pandya has consistently proven his mettle as a captain, leading India in white-ball formats and showcasing his leadership skills in the IPL over the past three seasons. His ability to thrive under pressure, combined with his all-round capabilities, positions him as a balanced choice to guide India in ODIs.
Rohit Sharma’s Leadership Transition
Rohit Sharma had already stepped away from T20Is in 2024 after leading India to a T20 World Cup triumph. His departure allowed Suryakumar Yadav to take charge in the shortest format. Meanwhile, Jasprit Bumrah has been identified as a possible leader for India in the red-ball format following his successful stint as captain during the Perth Test.
Other Leadership Contenders
While Hardik Pandya leads the race, other names like Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill are also being discussed. However, reports suggest that Gill may need more time to develop as a leader, and Suryakumar Yadav’s performances in ODIs haven’t been consistent enough to warrant a leadership role in the format.
“Gill needs more grooming to mature into a leader, and SKY’s ODI performances haven’t been convincing enough. Hardik remains the most balanced option to lead India in ODIs, if Rohit is unavailable,” the report added.
India’s Champions Trophy 2025 Schedule
India is scheduled to compete in Group A alongside Bangladesh, Pakistan, and New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Here is India’s group-stage schedule:
| Date | Match | Time (IST) | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 20 | Bangladesh vs India | 2:30 PM | Dubai |
| February 23 | Pakistan vs India | 2:30 PM | Dubai |
| March 2 | New Zealand vs India | 2:30 PM | Dubai |
Note: Semi-final and final matches will take place at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium if India qualifies.
What Lies Ahead?
As the BCCI mulls over its captaincy options, the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is shaping up to be a defining moment for Indian cricket. Whether Hardik Pandya officially takes over the reins remains to be seen, but his recent leadership successes suggest he is well-prepared to lead India on the global stage.
