Former Pakistan pace duo of Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis have put their weight behind Hardik Pandya to become India's next captain.
During a chat with A Sports, Akram said that Hardik captained for the first time in the IPL and led his team to the title. He knows how to handle the pressure.
'His role in the team is a finisher and you can do the job if you are mentally strong and have a brilliant self-belief,' added Akram.
'I won’t be surprised if he is the next Indian captain,' said Waqar in the middle of the conversation.
Wasim Akram further lavished praise on the all-rounder and called Hardik a force. 'He gives advice to the captain and has a calming influence, he is learning,' added the 56-year-old.
Hardik recently stitched a famous 113-run stand with Virat Kohli to help Team India pull off a miraculous win vs Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2022.
Also read: T20 World Cup: 'I would have taken a bullet for you' tells Hardik Pandya to Virat Kohli