Champions Trophy 2025: A potential change which may transform the leadership structure of Indian cricket is expected with all-rounder Hardik Pandya possibly to become the Indian skipper for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy if available to don the cap and Rohit Sharma is unavailable.
It is following deciding not to travel to Sydney for the fifth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 which has started waving speculation over his white-ball captaincy career with Rohit. According to reports, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) discussed who would lead the team in the Champions Trophy.
Rohit is missing out on the Sydney Test, and now selectors will weight their options, while the front-runner for the ODI tourney will be Pandya.
According to media reports, if Rohit’s ODI captaincy is challenged or he resigns, he will be replaced by Pandya who won’t face pressure as he can handle it. “Hardik has shown his mettle in high-pressure situations, and his experience as an all-rounder and leader makes him a strong candidate for an ICC event like the Champions Trophy.”
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Rohit Sharma’s Captaincy Under Scrutiny
Sharma, who had led India to victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup and had announced retirement in the format, has now fallen into increased speculations over his future as captain of all formats. His decision to miss the Sydney Test has now brought about a controversy over his commitment towards Tests cricket, and, by extending, over his role in the limited-overs format as well. Rohit has spoken no word officially about his own future but for sure, his future as ODI is still dark ahead of the Champions Trophy.
Hardik Pandya’s Leadership Experience
Pandya has already proven himself as a good leader as he has led India in many white-ball games and done well in the IPL. He is also good at handling youngsters and seniors. So, he should be the first option to lead India in the Champions Trophy.
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