After the T20 World Cup, the BCCI is planning to have separate captains for the limited-length format teams. Hardik Pandya, who made the new IPL team Gujarat Titans the champion last year, is being considered the captain of the T20 team. Experts are also saying that Pandya should be handed over the command of the T20 team.
The 29-year-old Pandya has lived up to the board’s expectations on both occasions. Under his leadership, Team India defeated New Zealand 1-0 in the T20 series at their home on Tuesday. Under his captaincy, the team won a two-match series against Ireland.
Pandya discussed with the media after the last match of the 3-match series in Napier. He talked about team performance and captaincy.
Pandya on Future Indian Captaincy
Question: Everyone is saying that Pandya should be given captaincy. Have you started thinking in that zone of where do I want to take the team?
Answer: I believe that until things happen, I do not think. My funda is simple…whether I do one series…do two series or one match…the way I want to play cricket, and the way I see the game, I will captain that way. My point is clear…whenever I get a chance, I will try to go that way. The type of cricket to be played. Edge A unit should be able to show that kind of cricket. The focus is on that only.
Firstly aggressive cricket in the words of Pandya
‘Aggression, as a bowling unit, aggression is not about going for wickets in every ball or hitting boundaries in every ball. It should be visible in your body language and behavior.
Hardik Panya on not giving chance to Sanju Samson and Umran Malik
Question- Many things were happening before coming here. For example, if Sanju should get a chance, someone was talking about Umran. You are a young captain, how do you deal with things?
Answer: Who is saying what outside does not make much difference at this level? As far as selection is concerned – it’s my team, the coach, and whatever suits me. We will do whatever side we want to check…there is a lot of time.
Everyone will get a chance and will get long. Not too difficult. The series was short. That’s why some people didn’t get a chance. Had there been more matches, there would have been a chance.