Ravi Shastri believes there is “no harm” in India exploring the possibility of having a new T20I captain to ease some of the load off Rohit Sharma, who currently leads them in all three formats. Hardik Pandya is leading the T20I team in New Zealand after the selectors rested senior players following the World Cup in Australia. It is a feat that Pandya did for the first time in Ireland earlier this year, after a successful IPL stint where he led Gujarat Titans to the title for the first time.

Shastri told select media during an interaction organized by Prime Video ahead of the first T20 International in Wellington on Friday

“For T20 cricket, there is no harm in having a new captain. Because the volume of cricket is so high, it will never be easy for one player to play all three formats of the game. If Rohit is already leading in Tests and ODIs , then there is no harm in identifying a new T20I captain and if his name is Hardik Pandya, let it be so.”

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Shastri also endorsed VVS Laxman’s belief that India should not shy away from picking specialists for the shortest format, even if it meant keeping out “some senior players”.

Shastri said –

“I think that’s the way forward. I think VVS is right. They will identify specialists. Going forward, that should be the mantra. Identify that Indian side as a great fielding side and look for roles for these youngsters. Identify who can be fearless and play that kind of cricket without any kind of baggage.”

Shastri was not ready to compare the differences he will see in the Indian team when his coaching tenure ends in November 2021, but he was firm in his belief that India should try and adapt England’s white-ball formula. Should be followed. They have enjoyed considerable success since a reboot under Eoin Morgan following a group-stage exit at the 2015 World Cup.