Hardik can be India captain post 2023 WC if he wins 1st ODI vs Australia: Sunil Gavaskar

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar believes Hardik Pandya can stake claim for leadership role in one-dayers too after the World Cup this year, provided his side emerges victorious against Australia in the first ODI on Friday.

"I have been very impressed with his captaincy at the T20 level for the Gujarat Titans and for India when he is captaining the T20 side. I do believe that if he wins the first game in Mumbai, then you can almost stamp him as the India captain once the World Cup is over in 2023." Gavaskar said Pandya's presence in the middle-order is essential for India.

With regular skipper Rohit Sharma set to miss the first ODI at the Wankhede Stadium due to family commitments, Pandya has been named the stand-in captain for the contest.

The 29-year-old all-rounder, is already the incumbent leader for India in the shortest format.

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