Hardik Pandya remains unfazed despite criticism around non-selection of Umran Malik and Sanju Samson

Sanju Samson and Umran Malik were expected to play in the recently-concluded T20I series between New Zealand and India. However, for some unexplained reasons, the team management decided not to include them in the playing. In the two matches played out of three, the team management including stand-in skipper Hardik Pandya decided to go with Rishabh Pant and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Both players have been woefully out of form.

With Samson and Malik not getting a chance, the fans have been infuriated and have been bashing the Indian team. Meanwhile, Pandya is completely unfazed by the criticism. After the third against the Kiwis, he faced the media. One of the journalists asked about Samson and Malik’s exclusion. To which, the all-rounder replied by saying that it was short series and every player will get chance in future.

“Pahli baat toh bahar kaun kya bol raha hai usse ye level pe fadak nahi padta. Ye meri team hai,ht coach aur mujhe jo theek lagega, jo side hume chahie hoga (hum wo khilayenge). Bohut samay hai. Sabko muka milega aur jab mauka milega lamba milega. Agar bada series hota, zyada matches hote toh obviously opportunities zyada hote. Ye chhota series tha, main zyada chiop and change mein believe nei karta aur age bhi believe nei karunga. 

(First things first, who is saying what outside, doesn’t really affect us at this level. This is my team and I’ll pick the best side after discussing with the coach. There is ample of time. Everyone will get their chances and when they do, it will be a long run. This was a small series, if we had more matches then we could have tried out more players),” Hardik said in the press conference after the third T20I in Napier ended in a tie via DLS method.

India will play three-match ODI series to conclude the New Zealand tour

After the T20I series, both teams will play a three-match ODI series that will mark the beginning of 2023 World Cup preparations for both teams.