'Now bid goodbye to Rohit and Kohli respectfully': Shoaib Akhtar's advice to Hardik Pandya post CWC

• Shoaib Akhtar advises Hardik Pandya to facilitate a respectful transition for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli
• Uncertainty around head coach and captaincy adds complexity as India prepares for the T20 World Cup
• Akhtar emphasizes the need for Pandya to emulate past captains in bidding farewell to cricket legends

Former Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Akhtar has weighed in on the anticipated transition phase in Indian cricket post the ODI World Cup. Akhtar suggests that if the transition takes place, it should be the responsibility of Hardik Pandya, assuming he takes over the captaincy, to ensure a respectful exit for stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. As India faces an immediate decision for the upcoming T20 World Cup, the uncertainty around the head coach and captaincy adds complexity.

Rohit and Kohli, absent from T20Is since the 2022 World Cup, raise questions about their inclusion in the shorter format. Akhtar emphasizes the need for a delicate handling of the transition, citing examples of respect shown by Dhoni to Tendulkar and Kohli to Dhoni.

Shoaib Akhtar, lauding Rohit Sharma as an unparalleled opener, believes both Rohit and Kohli have cricket left in them. Acknowledging the delicate situation, Akhtar suggests Hardik Pandya must emulate the respect demonstrated by previous captains during transitions. However, with concerns about Hardik's injury proneness, the selection committee led by Ajit Agarkar faces additional challenges in appointing the official captain for white-ball teams. Currently, Suryakumar Yadav is leading the T20I series against Australia, with Hardik's fitness concerns making him likely to continue as captain for the upcoming South Africa T20Is starting December 10.