Hardik’s 1st Statement As Indian Captain Regarding Umran Malik’s Debut Hints At Big Change In Team: Details Here

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.

There are three uncapped players in India’s T20I squad that has been picked for Ireland T20I series, including Umran Malik, Rahul Tripathi and Arshdeep Singh. Umran and Arshdeep were also part of India’s squad for the South Africa T20I series but they didn’t get the opportunity to play.

“We want to give opportunity to people but want to play our best XI as well. There will be situation 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.

Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, India captain Pandya said that there will be a situation where debut caps will be given to the players, but the focus is on fielding the best playing XI.

“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,” Pandya said.

Umran received his maiden call-up for the Men in Blue in their home series against South Africa recently. However, the right-arm fast bowler could not make his debut as captain Rishabh Pant decided to play the same playing XI in all the five matches against the Proteas.

Captain Hardik Pandya has taken the charge at Ireland. pic.twitter.com/ovDZaITtof

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 24, 2022

India are missing several first-choice players as no member of Test team are with the team. The red-ball squad is preparing for the marquee Test match against England which will take place from July 1 at Edgbaston. They are currently playing a warm-up game against Leicestershire.

Hardik Pandya said, "we want to give an opportunity to people, but want to play our best XI as well. There'll be situations where there will be a couple of caps given, but it's about making sure that we have the best XI".

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 25, 2022