India VS New Zealand: New Zealand series win seals Hardik Pandya's T20I captaincy

Ties in cricket are rare – more so in T20 cricket, where the Super Over concept was brought in, to begin with. And a Duckworth Lewis Stern method (DLS) tie is even rare. 

Yet that is what happened during India's third and final T20I against New Zealand – and with that came the confirmation that India had won the series, given they won the second T20I and had a 1-0 lead. 

It's a series win that has some weight, given India's top players were rested, and Hardik Pandya was tasked with leading the team. 

It is even more interesting, given there is talk that Hardik Pandya is in line to lead India in the shortest format sooner rather than later. 

During the post-match interview, Hardik Pandya sounded like a man who is willing to take on the mantle - or who has already agreed to assume the role and the announcement is simply pending. 

"If people are saying (I could be captain), you feel good about it but till something happens (official announcement), you can't say," Hardik Pandya said after the rain-hit third T20.

"To be honest, my thing is simple, if I do one match or one series, I will lead the team my way, how I see and perceive the game. Whenever I am given the opportunity, I will always go out and play the brand of cricket I know. As a unit, we will display my brand. As far as whatever (captaincy) comes in the future, we will see." 

There's a big case to be made for Hardik Pandya to be named the skipper. He's proven in the IPL that he can lead a side that plays both attacking crickets and is mindful of match situations. 

One of the reasons the Gujarat Titans were so successful in their maiden season was that they had a game plan but could modify it given how the match was going. 

There's also the fact that Hardik Pandya is seen as a captain who wants to keep the unit happy – even if that means regularly taking out time for players who are on the fringes. 

"It is difficult; as much as I speak to them, it's no consolation for not playing, but at the same time, if I can repeat the point and keep a healthy atmosphere, it's okay."

"If players are feeling bad, they can come and speak to me or the coach. Going forward, if I remain the captain, I don't think that will be an issue. My behaviour and nature ensures that we are a close-knit unit."

The decision feels like it had been made - but even if it hadn't, a series win away from home against a T20 World Cup semi-finalist is a good audition. 

The only thing remaining, as Pandya himself pointed out, is the official announcement.