Hardik Pandya shuts down journalist’s question about Kane Williamson’s availability in Indian T20 League 2023
Hardik Pandya, Kane Williamson (Image Credit: Twitter)
New Zealand and India are gearing up for the three-match T20I series in the island nation. However, back in India, the Indian T20 League franchises have their list of retained and released players ahead of the player auction. While Hardik Pandya has been retained by Gujarat, Hyderabad has decided to release Kane Williamson. It is remaining to see whether gets picked during the auction on December 23.
Meanwhile, after the New Zealand vs India pre-series photoshoot, Pandya spoke to the journalists. One of them asked the all-rounder about the prospect of Williamson being picked for the 2023 season. To which, the 2022 Indian T20 League winning skipper replied by saying that the auctions are too far ahead. He added that currently, he is concentrating on playing for India.
“Don’t know, too far ahead to think about it now,” Hardik said on Wednesday after the trophy launch of the New Zealand vs India series.
“For him, because he is a friend, yes. Rest it is okay. ITL is ITL, right now I am playing for India.”
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New guys will a lot of excitement and energy: Hardik Pandya
Just like quite a few series this year, some of the senior players in the team have been rested for the tour. In their place, a second-string team has been put together. Notably, they have played for India before. Talking about the players, the Gujarat player said that these players have played for India before. The right-hander further added that the new players will bring more excitement.
“Obviously, the main boys are not here but at the same time, the players who are already are, they have also been playing for India for one and one-and-half years now,” said the 29-year-old.
“New bunch, new guys with a lot of excitement and energy. It’s going to be quite exciting.”
