Ace all-rounder Hardik Pandya expressed that it is an honor to lead Team India. He was announced as the captain of the national team for the Ireland tour in the absence of senior cricketers, starting on June 26 in Dublin.
Hardik recently led the Gujarat Titans to the Indian Premier League 2022 title in their debut season. He scored 487 runs and scalped eight wickets to lead the team from the front in the season. The all-rounder is also Rishabh Pant’s deputy for the ongoing South Africa series.
Speaking about his appointment as a captain for the Ireland series, Hardik Pandya expressed that had an idea that he will be leading the team. He stated:
“Obviously, I kind of knew before the start of this series that I will be leading the side after this series. Kinda knew it, but it is always an honor to lead your country. Who would have thought seven months back? Life can change a lot if you put the right mind and you keep working hard.”
Just in: Hardik Pandya will lead India in the two-match T20I series in Ireland pic.twitter.com/gCm7svHY7e
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) June 15, 2022
I have always enjoyed the finisher’s role: Hardik Pandya
Hardik Pandya also spoke about his role as a bowler and a finisher for the Indian team. The 28-year-old expressed that he enjoys taking responsibility for the finisher’s job. The all-rounder stated that the quality comes naturally to him. Hardik said,
“It is obviously important, whenever my team requires, I will always be there to bowl a couple of overs. We play with six bowlers, it is important in T20 cricket that you have six bowling options.”
“I have always enjoyed that role (finisher). Where I bat and what I do, you need to really enjoy the situation, for me, I kind of enjoy the challenge that comes with it because it is not easy to swing from ball one or ball two. For me, it comes naturally. I enjoy the challenge,” he added.
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