Indian skipper Hardik Pandya has hinted at the inclusion of a couple of debutants in the playing XI for the T20I series against Ireland. The two-match T20I series is all set to begin on Sunday, June 26 in Dublin.
Senior India players including the regular skipper Rohit Sharma are in England for the fifth rescheduled Test match. In their absence, the selectors have given an opportunity to youngsters such as Rahul Tripathi, Umran Malik, etc. With the ICC T20 World Cup in sight, the players will be keen to put forward their case for the mega-event.
Indian skipper, Hardik Pandya expressed that the team is looking to give opportunities to a few players. He added that there will be a couple of debutants in the series.
“We want to give an 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,” Pandya said in a press conference ahead of the series opener on Sunday.
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I don’t play this sport to show anything to anybody: Hardik Pandya
Hardik Pandya will be making his captaincy debut in the first T20I against Ireland. He was the vice-captain of the Indian team in the T20I series at home against South Africa. Earlier this year, Hardik Pandya led the Gujarat Titans to the IPL 2022 title in their debut season.
The all-rounder’s successful captaincy stint has made a strong case in the race for the future Indian skipper. When asked about proving his leadership skills in the upcoming series, Hardik Pandya said,
“I am not here to show anything to anybody. 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. Will see in the future, otherwise more than anything I am just focussing on what I can bring in this series.”
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