Will Hardik Pandya's T20I leadership skills be tested in NZ tour?

Hardik Pandya has been appointed as the Captain of India's T20 side for the series in New Zealand. In the series against the T20 World Cup 2022 semifinalists, Hardik's Leadership qualities will be extra scrutinized as he lead India to win the series in Ireland, earlier this year, which made him fit for the job.

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Hardik Pandya is a leader and it can be justified in many ways, he has won the IPL title with Gujarat Titans with his great performance and dedication. For the record, Hardik, earlier this year, became only the second captain to win a title with their team playing for the first time in the IPL tournament.

In the recent World Cup, India didn't show a good performance as they lost the semi-finals against England. And due to this performance, even Rohit Sharma's captaincy got questioned and scrutinized. As a matter of fact, Rohit won five IPL titles and two Champions League titles for Mumbai Indians as a captain as well as a player!

Pandya's growth as a Leader has been immense in the last few years, and his display of ability was hidden when he led the Gujrat titans to lift the IPL trophy. He certainly displays maturity and calmness, irrespective of any situation.

Hardik has been said as a 'player's' captain because he thinks for the players and his fellow teammates. His presence of mind and work ethics are exemplary. His fellow players also have very positive thoughts about his upcoming series in New Zealand and also believe that Hardik Pandya is the future of the Indian team.

India's Acting head coach VVS Laxman, also has very good opinions about the all-rounder, lists many leadership qualities, and even said "He's a fabulous leader". Moreover, he also recalls his performance in the IPL as well as against Ireland, earlier this year.

Author's opinion:

Everyone has expectations from Hardik Pandya for this T20I series in New Zealand and hopes that this will be a high step for him in his International career. This series could be his greatest ticket to seal the T20I captaincy for India in the future. Even though it would be a tall mountain to climb in New Zealand, Hardik has the right temperament to lead India to a series victory!