Wicketkeeper batter Rishabh Pant could replace Hardik Pandya as India’s vice-captain in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024 following the latter's poor performances in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, reported Cricbuzz on Monday.
Pandya has been struggling greatly in the IPL 2024 with the ball as well as the bat. He was appointed as Mumbai Indians’ skipper replacing Rohit Sharma but things didn’t go his way as the decision wasn’t welcomed by the fans and he has been booed on several grounds.
On the other hand, Pant, who returned to cricket after one and a half year following the deadly car incident, has been in excellent form as he has scored 371 runs in the tournament at an impressive 160.60 striker rate in the tournament and is leading Delhi Capitals.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) selectors will meet on May 1 where Pant will be appointed as the Blues’ vice-captain once again.
It is worth mentioning that in February, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah confirmed that Rohit Sharma will captain the side in the T20 World Cup while Pandya will remain his deputy.
“We may have lost the final of the 2023 ODI World Cup. But we won hearts there by winning 10 matches in a row. I would like to say that I am confident that India will lift the 2024 T20 World Cup under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy at Barbados,” Shah said. "Hardik Pandya will definitely be the vice-captain," he added.
With the World Cup almost a month away, it will be interesting to see what the BCCI selectors decide as despite being in poor form, Pandya remains one of India’s most important players.
Remember, all the teams participating in the mega event have to send a list of provisional squads to the ICC by May 1. However, changes can be made till the 25th of May but once that date has passed, approval from the ICC would be required for any changes.
It must be noted that India is in Group A with arch-rivals Pakistan and the two sides will take on one another in one of the most anticipated matches of the World Cup on June 9 at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York.
Groups for T20 World Cup 2024
Group A: India, Pakistan, Ireland, Canada, United States
Group B: England, Australia, Namibia, Scotland, Oman
Group C: New Zealand, West Indies, Afghanistan, Uganda, Papua New Guinea
Group D: South Africa, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Netherlands, Nepal