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Xtra Time Web Desk: Will Hardik Pandya get rewarded for his good show as the captain of Gujarat Titans in the ongoing IPL season? Can Hardik edge out Bhuvneshwar Kumar as the captain of India’s T20 side for the tour to Ireland? Well luck seems to have turned for the Gujarat Titans skipper. Impressed by his all-round performance and captaincy in the ongoing IPL season, the selectors are mulling his name as captain for the upcoming T20 series against Ireland.

Hardik has surprised many by leading IPL newbie Gujarat Titans to the final of IPL 2022 season. He has made useful contributions both with bat and ball. In the all-important Qualifier 1 against Rajasthan Royals, Hardik scored an important knock of 40* and also took one wicket rolling his arms for two overs. He picked the wicket of Devdutt Padikkal. Hardik has scored 453 runs in 14 matches at an average of 45.30 and a strike rate of 132.84.

With KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant both set to join the squad in England for the 5th Test, Team India needs a captain for the Ireland series.With Shikhar Dhawan not included in the T20 squad against South Africa, the selectors might want to test a new face for the role and Hardik fits the bill perfectly.

Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant — all three are unavailable for the Ireland series as they will play a four-day warm-up match ahead of the Birmingham Test.

With Shikhar Dhawan not in plans for T20s, India will need someone experienced to lead the side.

The selectors are deliberating Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Hardik Pandya for the role. However, with Hardik Pandya successfully leading Gujarat Titans to the IPL 2022 Final, he is the leading contender.