Hardik Pandya, who has been brilliant form this year, is set to pip the likes of Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul for India’s permanent vice-captaincy in T20Is, Insidesport reported quoting a BCCI official. Rohit Sharma and co are currently playing a five-match T20I series against the West Indies. The team will then tour Zimbabwe before participating in the Asia Cup. 

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Pandya had a stellar IPL 2022 – leading the Gujarat Titans to their maiden title. The India all-rounder was then appointed as vice-captain for the South Africa series at home. He also led the team on the Ireland tour. 

As per the BCCI official, quoted in the Insidesport report, Pandya is up for a big promotion, months ahead of the T20 World Cup. 

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“Hardik is a world-class player and it’s great to have him back in the team at full fitness. Whether he will be named vice-captain is up to the selectors. But he is already a leader in the group. As an all-rounder, he understands both situations. He has outstanding leadership skills and we saw that in the IPL. He will surely do well,” the official said. 

As per the report, Rahul will continue to be the vice-captain in ODIs and Tests. Pandya’s career is Tests, however, has hit a speed bump. 

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“It’s important to manage his workload being an all-rounder. We have a lot of T20s and ODIs coming up and it will not be possible for an all-rounder to play all three formats. Instead, he will focus on white-ball formats. As for Tests, we have Jadeja and Shardul for the all-rounder slots and they have done well. Once Deepak comes back from injury, he will also be considered for Tests,” the BCCI official added.

India are currently leading the T20I series against West Indies 2-1. They will play the fourth match in Florida on Thursday.