Team India skipper Hardik Pandya revealed the openers for the first T20I against New Zealand which will take place on Friday, January 27 at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi. He expressed that Prithvi Shaw will have to wait for his chance as Shubman Gill has done well recently. Gill is likely to open the innings with wicket-keeper batter Ishan Kishan.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Hardik Pandya stressed on Shubman Gill’s recent form. He expressed that the right-handed batter should get a chance, and will start the series. Hardik Pandya stated,

“Nahi sir. Shubman ne bohot achha kiya hai so usko pehle mauka milega. Actually, mauke ki baat hi nahi hai. (No sir. Shubman has done really well so he will get the opportunity first. In fact, with him it doesn’t even come down to opportunities) Shubman will start because the way he is batting, he will obviously be in the team.”

New Zealand is a strong T20I team: Hardik Pandya

Team India skipper Hardik Pandya further expressed that New Zealand always possesses a challenge. He added that they are a strong unit in T20Is and the Indian team will try to play at their best to defeat the visitors. Speaking at the press conference, Hardik Pandya said,

“New Zealand is a strong T20I team. They are a fine one-day unit as well even though the recent series outcome does not reflect that. They always challenge you as a team, which was the case in the 1st ODI in Hyderabad. If they could have pulled out of that chase, they would have entered the second game full of confidence. But at the same point in time, we will try our best and know that we will have to play our best to beat them. They will be get rolled over. It’s a fresh start.”