Will Hardik Pandya be India's next Test captain? Ravi Shastri gives brutal reply

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Indian cricket is approaching a transition period in the coming months. With the ongoing speculations about the future of some senior players, we may see a change in leadership in the coming days.

Already there is a hint of change in the T20Is, as Hardik Pandya has been leading the team in the shortest format. But will Hardik get the baton to lead team India in the Tests as well? That remains a huge ask.

Rohit Sharma is set to continue as India captain in Tests, after much rumours of him being axed from his role ahead of the new WTC cycle. But it is imminent that the Indian team will be finding a new skipper in the longest format of the game soon, but Pandya's name may well be down the pecking order.

And former India coach Ravi Shastri also thinks so. When asked if Pandya will have the baton of captaincy in his hands, the former coach gave an honest but brutal reply.

"His body cannot cope with Test cricket. Let's be very clear about that," Shastri told The Week.

Shastri believes if Pandya remains fit after the World Cup, he may be handed over the ODI captaincy.

"After the World Cup, if his body is fit enough, he should take over captaincy in white-ball cricket," said Shastri.

Shastri also opined that it is the perfect time to phase out the senior cricketers. He believes young blood must be given more opportunities in the shorter versions of the game.

"There are seniors ready to be phased out and there are youngsters ready. No question about it when it comes to T20 cricket. Lesser in 50-over cricket and even fewer in Tests," he added.

Hardik Pandya last played for India in March against Australia in the ODIs. He is part of the ODI squad in the upcoming West Indies tour and looks set to lead the Indian team in the T20I matches in the Caribbean.