Team India displayed a fearless approach when Virat Kohli took over as captain from MS Dhoni, but once Kohli stepped down as captain, India began to play with a timid approach, which cost them dearly in the 2022 T20 World Cup.
However, Hardik has been entrusted with the leadership role in the shortest format of the game since the global event, and while some of his decisions have been questionable, he has yet to disappoint.
Hardik opened up about his leadership style after winning the series against New Zealand despite losing the first match of the three-match series.
The 29-year-old said he likes to take ownership of his decisions, which is why some of his decisions as India captain may not look good to others, but he is willing to accept blame if those calls backfire.
This is how I always play the game. I try to read what is required without having preconceived notions. In my captaincy, I strive to keep things simple and to trust my instincts. I have a simple rule: if I go down, I will go down on my terms, Hardik said after the game.
This ‘live by the sword, die by the sword’ approach has made Indian cricket exciting to watch again, as we are no longer just beating teams at home, but demolishing them.
Earlier this year, India defeated Sri Lanka by 91 runs in the T20I series decider, and on February 1, India recorded their biggest win in T20I history, defeating New Zealand by 168 runs.
While Hardik is yet to be officially named India’s T20I captain, if he does get the role full-time and leads India in the next T20I World Cup, it may not guarantee us the cup, but it will be entertaining to watch the Indian team come out all guns blazing.
