“We want to give opportunity to people” – Hardik Pandya hints at Umran Malik’s debut in Ireland T20Is
India’s star all-rounder and the skipper, Hardik Pandya, has hinted at a couple of debuts in the two-match T20I series against Ireland. The two teams will kickstart the series on Sunday as the first game is scheduled to be played at The Village, Dublin.
Hardik Pandya had an interaction with the media on Saturday during the pre-match conference. The India skipper on the tour talked about giving youngsters a chance in the two upcoming games.
“We want to give the opportunity to people but at the same time, we want to play with the best XI as well. But there will be situation, where we will be giving caps to people. It’s about making sure that when we go into the park, we have the best XI playing. So, that will be the focus,” said Hardik Pandya while hinting at the debuts for India during the series.
There are three uncapped players in the Indian squad for the Ireland series, including Umran Malik, Arshdeep Singh, and Rahul Tripathi. While Rahul Tripathi earned his maiden national call-up for the Ireland series, Umran Malik and Arshdeep Singh were a part of the Indian squad for the South African series as well. However, both pacers are yet to make their international debut.
“I am not here to show anything to anybody,” – Hardik Pandya
When asked a twisted question about proving his mettle as the captain during the series as he won’t be the skipper when the seniors return, the Indian all-rounder came with a strong reply.
“I am not here to show anything to anybody. I have got an opportunity to lead India, that itself is a big thing for me. I don’t play this sport to show anything to anybody. I am good enough. I will see in the future, otherwise more than anything I am just focussing on what I can bring in this series,” replied Hardik Pandya.
