Indian men’s team will kick-start the year 2023 with a white-ball series against Sri Lanka, starting with the first T20I in Mumbai on Tuesday (January 3).
On the eve of the series opener, India’s new T20I captain Hardik Pandya addressed a press conference, where he said that the year 2022 was a magical one for him.
Notably, Hardik led Gujarat Titans to the IPL triumph in their maiden IPL season while he also made a successful return to the national side after regaining his bowling fitness.
“Obviously, one year back, things were quite different when I went out of the squad, it was quite difficult. It has been a magical year for me. Obviously, (I) would have liked to win the (T20) World Cup, but it is part and parcel of the game. Going forward, there is a lot to achieve, I have not achieved anything, looking forward to the future, there will be multiple World Cups in multiple years, the goal will be to win the World Cup,” he told reporters.
Hardik Pandya further said that his new year’s resolution is to help India win the upcoming 50-over World Cup at home.
“Yes, the biggest (goal is) to win the World Cup. I don’t think there can be a bigger resolution than that, where you want to win the World Cup, and we will try everything possible in our capacity to go out there and give everything. Yes, I think that things are looking bright, and let’s hope it is (good),” he added.
When asked how he is planning to manage his bowling workload as captain, Pandya replied: “That’s all right. It’s up to me. Rest assured, there won’t be any tension.”
“I know the language of hard work. I don’t think I know any other language in my life. I have been thrown here and there and the only thing that has got me back is my hard work. So, how I am going to manage is through my hard work. Keep working hard and make sure I look after my body which I do,” he further remarked.
“Injuries and all that are all part of the game, I cannot change it. I am confident about everything that I have done and I believe in my process which has got me here and I am sitting here. Going forward, the only thing I am going to focus on is to make sure I give my body ample chance to be out there and be at my best. And hope for the best, as simple as that,” he continued.
For the three-match T20I series, India’s squad doesn’t include regular white-ball skipper Rohit Sharma, his predecessor Virat Kohli and KL Rahul.
Star batter Suryakumar Yadav has been appointed as vice-captain and Hardik had special praise reserved for his deputy.
“I have said this in the past about Surya. He played international cricket late. I was always keen from 2020 for him to be part of the Indian team. But unfortunately, it was not. So, God gave him (a chance). He played late but he got exactly what he could have got earlier as well. I can only wish him the best. I hope he continues the run for the Indian team and flourishes more in his life and scores more runs and makes sure that he helps the team to win as well,” the skipper stated.
(With TOI inputs)
