New responsibilities for Hardik Pandya, name up for captainship

India all-rounder Hardik Pandya might lead the Indian team on the tour of Ireland. India will play a two-match T20I series against Ireland. The matches will be played in Dublin on June 26 and 28. The earlier reports suggested that the BCCI is planning to put together a second-string team for the tour of the European country just as they did with the South Africa series.

Meanwhile, one of the selection committee members has pointed out that Pandya has become a responsible player as a captain. The selector referred to his impressive captaincy stint with Gujarat in the ongoing Indian T20 League 2022. The team has reached the final and awaiting to see which team they will play in the final. They will play either Bangalore or Rajasthan depending on the result of the Qualifier 2 on May 27.

“Hardik has been impressive. What is more satisfying is that he has become a very responsible player as a captain. He is certainly in the scheme of things for the captaincy role for the Ireland tour,” a member of the selection committee told InsideSport.

The selector however refrained from making any comments on announcements any time soon. He said that the decision of the all-rounder to lead the national team will be taken during the South Africa series, which will start on June 9. The selector pointed out that the 28-year-old remains must fit.

“See, it’s still too early to make any announcements. Hardik is one of the names but a decision will be taken only during the South Africa series. What’s important is that he remains fit and in form. He is a very crucial member of the squad,” the member of the selection committee said.

The right-hander was recently named in the Indian team for the five-match T20I series against the Proteas at home. He was out of action due to injuries late last year. In the ongoing 15th season, he has led Gujarat from the front with 453 runs in 14 games averaging 45.30 and striking at 132.84 including four half-centuries.