Xtra Time Web Desk: Team India T20 captain Hardik Pandya on Saturday hinted there will one debut for the first T20I against Ireland. He also made it clear that India will field the best possible strong XI against Ireland. There are quite a few new faces in the Indian T20I squad, likes of Rahul Tripathi, Umran Malik and Arshdeep Singh.
“Obviously, we want to give opportunities to youngsters. But we want to field the Best XI. There could be situations when we hand over a couple of debut caps,” Hardik Pandya said at the pre-match press conference on Saturday.
On being asked about the combinations, Hardik said the team management is willing to give opportunities to youngsters. But at the same time, they want to field the Best XI. There could be situations when India hands over a couple of debut caps.
Recently Team India Head coach Rahul Dravid emphasised on having a continuity and kept the same Playing XI for all five games in the recently series against South Africa. VVS Laxman is also expected to carry on the same mantra. But Hardik said no matter what, India will field the strongest XI on the park and wants to treat every match as a World Cup Final.
Talking about the battle with Ireland, Hardik said his team will not take anyone lightly.
On being asked about the team’s approach, Hardik said, there are several players banging on the door and it’s great for Indian team. The bench strength is getting stronger.
Hardik has recently led Gujarat Titans to its maiden IPL 22022 title. He marshalled his troops brilliantly throughout the tournament. On being asked about the role of captaincy, Hardik said he has always done well when he has been entrusted added responsibility. He said he don’t play to show anyone anything.
Lastly speaking about the two match T20I series against Ireland, Hardik felt India needs to play every match like it’s a World Cup Final. So, it doesn’t matter who we are facing, we have to face every team like it’s the most important one.