3 players who can replace Hardik Pandya as captain for Afghanistan T20I series

Team India will play their last and final T20I series against Afghanistan ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024, which is slated to take place in May and June in the West Indies and the USA. However, Hardik Pandya has been ruled out of the T20I series as he sustained the injury during the ODI World Cup 2023 clash against Bangladesh in Pune, where he was trying to block the shot of opener Liton Das.

However, the ankle injury has ruled him out, and there are still questions about India’s new skipper for the upcoming T20I series. Notably, Suryakumar Yadav led India in a T20I series against Australia and South Africa. However, he also got injured along with Ruturaj Gaikwad on South Africa’s tour.

Here is a list of the top three players who can lead the side in the absence of Hardik Pandya.

Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma (Source – Twitter)

According to sources, there is a strong possibility of Rohit Sharma leading the side owing to his great form in the white-ball game. Notably, the 36-year-old cricketer played a crucial role in the ODI World Cup 2023 and guided his side to end their journey as the first runner-up.

However, the opening batter hasn’t played a single T20I since India’s 10-wicket loss in the T20 World Cup 2022 semi-final against England. Meanwhile, Hardik Pandya’s injury is the masterstroke for Rohit Sharma to turn things around for India.

KL Rahul

KL Rahul (Source – Twitter)

India’s star cricketer, KL Rahul, led his side to win the ODI series by 2-1 against South Africa. Moreover, the wicketkeeper batter guided India to an ODI series win against Australia ahead of the ODI World Cup 2023.

In addition, the 31-year-old cricketer has a great chance to lead India in the upcoming T20I series, thanks to India’s magnificent wins under his leadership.

Jasprit Bumrah

Jasprit Bumrah (Source – Twitter)

India’s star bowler Jasprit Bumrah has led the side on the Ireland tour and guided India to win the series. In addition, the 29-year-old cricketer is a prominent player for his side and will be the primary player for Team India ahead of the T20 World Cup in 2024.

Meanwhile, the Indian Cricket Board might look to him for the upcoming T20I series.