The Indian team is expected to see a significant shift in leadership in the near future, with Suryakumar Yadav likely to step aside as captain of the T20I side. Shreyas Iyer has emerged as the leading candidate for the role, but former India cricketer and national selector Saba Karim has also brought Rajat Patidar into the conversation, effectively setting up a challenge between Patidar and the Punjab Kings skipper for the top job.
Karim’s backing for Patidar centres on the batter’s captaincy credentials in the Indian Premier League, with particular emphasis on his ability to guide Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a second straight title this year. Karim believes the manner in which Patidar handled a high-pressure campaign speaks strongly about his temperament and leadership approach.
Karim said, “I would like to add Rajat Patidar’s name as a contender for captaincy. Winning back-to-back IPL titles is a very tough assignment, and he has done that in a very calm and assured manner.”
He further added that the job has never been simple because the captain has to manage a squad loaded with star performers and overseas players who are vital to their respective national teams. “He has had to lead a team of star individuals and foreign players who are key assets for their respective national sides. To lead a team with so many legends and a diverse mix of experience is a very difficult assignment, and he has accomplished that brilliantly,” Karim said.
While the Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel has reportedly identified Iyer as the most likely replacement for Suryakumar, there is a growing sense that Patidar should still be discussed at the selection meeting scheduled for Saturday. Karim indicated that the discussions should not be limited to just one name, given the availability of multiple candidates who have shown captaincy competence.
Karim also commented on Iyer’s standing, adding that there is respect for the work he has done over the past three years—first with Kolkata Knight Riders and then with Punjab Kings. “Taking nothing away from the work Shreyas has done over the last three years—first with the Kolkata Knight Riders and then with the Punjab Kings—Saba feels he is certainly one of the top contenders,” he said, before pointing to other options.
Karim believes Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan should also be considered among the stronger challengers. “I think Shreyas Iyer would be one of those candidates. But I also have Sanju Samson and, in fact, Ishan Kishan in mind. I believe there will be two or three strong contenders to take over the captaincy,” he said.
Another name that has been doing the rounds is Hardik Pandya, whose position in the conversation has reportedly weakened in recent weeks. There have also been reports about a possible change in his role at Mumbai Indians, adding to the speculation around his future leadership prospects.
Even with Pandya’s reputation as a high-impact all-rounder, Karim does not expect him to be in the frame for the national captaincy. “I think the selectors have raised question marks over Hardik Pandya’s leadership skills,” Karim said. He pointed to last season as an example, noting that although Mumbai Indians reached the playoffs, questions were still raised about the way leadership was handled.
Karim concluded by saying that even if Pandya’s current form is taken into account, he still does not see him as a fit choice for captaincy at the highest level. “Last season, although Mumbai Indians did qualify for the playoffs, some questions were raised about his style of leadership. Even on current form, I don’t think he would justify his position as the captain of the Indian side,” he said.
