Hardik Pandya hints at two-three debutants in the first T20I against Ireland
Rahul Tripathi, Hardik Pandya, and Umran Malik (Image Source: Twitter)
While the Indian Test Team is gearing up for the one-off Test match against England, the Indian T20 Team is scheduled to face Ireland at their home conditions in a two-match series. As Rohit Sharma and Rishabh Pant had been included with the Test squad while KL Rahul had been ruled out for his groin injury, Hardik Pandya had been appointed as the new skipper for this series.
A young squad had been chosen for this series where new players like Rahul Tripathi, Arshdeep Singh, and Umran Malik had been prioritized. However, on 25 June 2022, speaking at a press conference, Hardik opened up on the chances of having a few debuts in this upcoming series.
“It’s about making sure that we have the best XI,” – Hardik Pandya
Speaking on the press, this Indian all-rounder said that they will look to give some debuts in the series but will make sure that the best possible XI gets on the field. He said: “We want to give the opportunity to people but want to play our best XI as well. There will be situations where there will be a couple of caps given but more than anything, it’s about making sure that we have the best XI,”
He also added on getting the opportunity to lead India for the first time in his career. “I am not here to show anything to anybody. I have got an opportunity to lead India, which itself is a big thing for me. I don’t play this sport to show anything to anybody. I am good enough. I will see in the future, otherwise more than anything I am just focussing on what I can bring in this series,” Pandya concluded.
Speaking about his captaincy stints, he became captain for the first time in his career for his Gujarat franchise earlier this year in the Indian T20 League. He led them to win this trophy at the first attempt only. He was also the deputy of Rishabh Pant during the home T20I series against South Africa.
