IND vs AUS: Virat Kohli: Hardik Pandya ODI Captain – Virat Kohli might not be the captain anymore but is back as a leader for team India in the huddle today and delivered a motivational speech to Hardik Pandya ahead of the first ODI against Australia. The all-rounder is making his ODI captaincy debut in absence of Rohit Sharma in the Wankhede. As expected Kohli, the leader stepped up and calmed his nerves of Pandya. While Pandya has proven his leadership credentials in T20Is, ODIs will pose tougher and unique challenges. Follow IND vs AUS Live Updates with InsideSport.IN.
Virat Kohli, the leader in team India Huddle today.💙 #INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/rBT8UeAzO5
— Akshat (@AkshatOM10) March 17, 2023
IND vs AUS: Why Virat Kohli delivered a motivational speech to Hardik Pandya?
- There is no question about Kohli the leader as India often turns to him for advice when they face any challenges.
- With Rohit Sharma not there, Kohli is the seniormost member of the side, with a humungous amount of leadership experience.
- Kohli also knows a thing or two about playing Australia, as he has scored the most runs in ODIs against them.
- With India winning Border Gavaskar Trophy, the former India captain wants the team to go for the kill.
- Kohli wants India to play a fearless brand of cricket in ODIs as well.
IND vs AUS: Pandya has a great chance to prove his leadership credentials in a 50-over format
Pandya’s leadership has been appreciated and lauded by one and all. Sunil Gavaskar also went on to add that the all-rounder should be stamped as captain in 50-overs if he wins the first ODI in Mumbai. The junior Pandya is carrying confidence from leading India in T20Is. The all-rounder will be aiming to continue the good work in the first ODI and try to give India momentum in the three-match ODI series.
Rohit Sharma will return to the team for the second ODI against Australia. The right-hand batter missed the first ODI due to his brother-in-law Kunal Sajdeh’s wedding.