Hardik Pandya gears up to lead Team India for the first time as it takes on Ireland in the two-match T20I series, starting Sunday. Team India returns to action in the shortest format of the game tonight when it takes on Ireland in the first of two T20Is in Malahide.
All-rounder Hardik Pandya will be leading the team in the absence of a host of first-team players including captain Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, and wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant among others. While 31-year-old Rahul Tripathi received a maiden international call-up for the series, Suryakumar Yadav and Sanju Samson also made a return to the squad.
Hardik Pandya Said India Won’t Be Complacent Against Ireland
Ahead of the first T20I game, Hardik Pandya interacted with the media during a press interaction and opened up on his mindset as he takes on the captaincy challenge for the first time in international colours.
“It’s a challenge mentally, it is easier to say that we are playing against Ireland but playing for India is the biggest pride. If we want to win the World Cup, every match from here is important for us to reach the World Cup final. The first thing I said to all is that it doesn’t matter whom we are playing, we need to focus on our own things,” Hardik Pandya stressed.
With Hardik Pandya hinting at a couple of debuts for India, it will be interesting to see if the likes of Umran Malik, Arshdeep Singh, and Rahul Tripathi get an opportunity to play.
Notably, the likes of pacers Umran Malik and Arshdeep Singh were warming the benches as India persisted with an unchanged XI in the 5-match series against South Africa. Rahul Tripathi, who was impressive in the IPL 2022 for SunRisers Hyderabad, was not picked for the home series but he made it to the Ireland tour after receiving his maiden India call-up.
Hardik Pandya Reveals India Will Approach The Ireland T20Is Like Any Other Games
The 28-year-old all-rounder also revealed the discussion he had with VVS Laxman, who is the head coach of the side for this series in the absence of Rahul Dravid. The former India captain is currently with the Test side as it prepares for the fifth and final game of the series against England, scheduled between July 1-5 in Edgbaston.
“We keep the same intensity we generally keep even if we are playing the World Cup or a big series. Again it comes down to mental strength, how better you can get it because it’s not easy in two matches getting yourself on but at the same time we are playing for India and we have to be on our A-game which we will. The discussion between me and the coach is simple — approach the game as you do in any other game for India,” said Hardik Pandya.
Captain Hardik Pandya will be in focus as India looks to test their envious bench strength in the series opener against Ireland, who have not beaten India in 3 T20I meetings so far. The focus will also be on Suryakumar Yadav, who returns to the side for the first time after an injury in IPL 2022.