Hardik Pandya provided a preview of what India's T20I series against New Zealand, which begins on Wednesday in Nagpur, should bring.  

The all-rounder, who returned to the squad after enjoying his time in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, is preparing for India's final series before the T20 World Cup 2026. And if the signs are anything to go by, fireworks are in order.

Hardik's confidence made him stand out as the Indian batters came to the crease during the net session. Hardik impressed his colleagues and the head coach with a six-hitting performance while honing his vast range of skills.

Pandya's extreme confidence was captured in a video that the BCCI posted. Upon observing a few individuals seated in the vacant stands, Hardik promptly asked them to move away.

“Get away from there,” he said. Why? Because that’s where he was targeting his sixes.

After Gautam Gambhir asked him, “Tum kaha aim kar rahe ho? North Wing? (Where do you intend to hit?) Hardik’s answer was “On the first tier ”.

Hardik Pandya impressed everyone as he connected with every ball he faced and sent them into the stands.

As the result was awaited, Captain Suryakumar Yadav told Shivam Dube, “Abbe, second tier pe maar diya? (He struck it long enough into the second tier),” leaving Gambhir laughing.

See here:  

As the net session progressed, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, and Hardik himself went through the paces with the ball, while Dube, Surya, Rinku Singh, Sanju Samson, and Ishan Kishan all whacked the balls hard.

There is no space for error with the T20 World Cup just 17 days away. A few injuries have plagued India, with Washington Sundar and Tilak Varma ruled out. Ravi Bishnoi and Shreyas Iyer have been called in as reinforcements.