New Zealand captain Kane Williamson on Tuesday lauded India’s stand-in-skipper Hardik Pandya ahead of the T20I series in New Zealand. Kane said Hardik is one of the most sought-after match-winners in the shortest format. Williamson’s side will be up against Hardik’s team in a 3-match T20I series from November 18.
Regular captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul have been rested from the tour of New Zealand.
India will also play three ODIs under the leadership of Shikhar Dhawan from November 25.
“Hardik is the superstar of the game. I have played against him several times, and he is one of the most sought-after match-winners. Hardik can bat and bowl and is a special cricketer,” said Williamson.
However, Williamson was not sure of Hardik’s captaincy.
“I haven’t played with him, so I don’t know about his leadership qualities, but he did well as a skipper in IPL. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma can groom a new leader within the squad,” he added.
Since India’s defeat to England in the ICC T20 World Cup semi-final, former players are calling for a change in captaincy.