**Hindustan Times**
‘Hardik should say goodbye to Rohit and Kohli respectfully’: Shoaib Akhtar on Indian cricket’s post-World Cup transition
After the recent ODI World Cup, Team India is poised for a transition phase, prompting discussions about the future of key players. As coach Rahul Dravid steps down, questions arise about the captaincy, particularly with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli aging. The focus now turns to Hardik Pandya and the selectors’ decision on the team’s leadership for the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar weighed in on the matter, asserting that if a transition occurs, it should be Hardik Pandya’s responsibility to usher Rohit and Kohli out respectfully. Akhtar emphasized the need for Pandya to follow the examples set by past captains in handling transitions with respect.
Akhtar, praising Rohit Sharma as an unparalleled opener, believes both Rohit and Kohli have plenty of cricket left in them. He acknowledged the duo’s invaluable contributions to Indian cricket and stressed that Pandya must bid them goodbye with the respect they deserve.
“If you ask, do Rohit and Kohli have cricket left in them? Yes, definitely. Do you get a better opener than Rohit in the world right now? No, you don’t,” Akhtar stated in an interview with Zee News.
Drawing parallels with previous transitions, Akhtar cited instances of how Dhoni respected Tendulkar, and Kohli showed similar regard for Dhoni. He urged Pandya to handle the situation with poise, considering the legends Rohit and Kohli are in Indian cricket.
As the selectors contemplate the captaincy, Pandya’s injury history adds an extra layer of consideration. The ongoing T20 series against Australia sees Suryakumar Yadav leading, with Pandya’s return to fitness uncertain.
The cricket fraternity awaits the selectors’ decision on India’s white-ball captain, recognizing the challenges and responsibilities that come with steering the team through a transitional period.
