“Hardik Pandya is a players’ captain,” says stand-in Indian cricket team coach VVS Laxman ahead of the New Zealand tour

Former India international and current stand-in head coach for the Indian cricket team, VVS Laxman has heaped praise on Hardik Pandya who is leading the Men in Blue in the New Zealand tour. Laxman was very impressed with his level-headedness as a leader and feels that he has everything to be a player’s captain.

With the senior players rested following the semifinals exit at the T20 World Cup in Australia, Hardik will be looking to guide the team in the three match T20I series beginning 18 November. The all rounder will also be assisted by Risabh Pant who will be the stand in vice captain of the team.

Hardik’s leadership skills has been praised ever since he guided his Indian Premier League franchise Gujarat Titans to their maiden trophy in their first year. It was also his first year as captain in the IPL as he earlier played for Mumbai Indians under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy. Laxman also highlighted that aspect and felt that apart from being tactically sound, the all rounder is very calm on the field, which is needed as a skipper.

“He is a fabulous leader. We have seen what he has done with Gujarat Titans in the IPL. Taking leadership in the first year of the franchise in the tournament, and winning the league is not a mean achievement. I have spent a lot of time with him since the Ireland series. He is not only tactically sound, but he is very calm on the field and that is something which is very important at the highest level,” VVS Laxman shared at the press conference.

Hardik has shown great evolution in his game ever since he has returned from injury. He has been more sharp with his batting and also bowling and overall has looked like a very improved package. Now when he comes to bat he gives himself time as he took up a different role in the IPL last season for the Titans.

“There would be situations when you would be under pressure and that is when you are required to be calm as a leader. Also, his presence in the dressing room, and his work ethics are exemplary. The way he leads the side both on and off the field is fabulous,” he added.

Lastly Laxman also shared how he is very approachable as a skipper and is always there for his teammates. “I think he is a players’ captain, he is very approachable. All the players go up to him and confide with him. I think that is something which I really like about Hardik, and he leads by example both on and off the field.”

The buzz around the Indian cricket fans is that Hardik Pandya should take over captaincy once Rohit Sharma decides to move on from T20 for India. After two World Cup failures, the Men in Blue need radical changes and this can be the first step in the right direction.