Watch: Hardik Pandya’s wonderful speech as he presents debut cap to Ramandeep Singh, debutant left overwhelmed

The senior India National Cricket Team fast-bowling all-rounder Hardik Pandya gave a wonderful speech as he presented the debut T20I cap to the all-rounder Ramandeep Singh on Wednesday, November 13.

Hardik Pandya's speech left Ramandeep Singh overwhelmed as the latter is making his India debut against South Africa in the third T20I at the SuperSport Park in Centurion.

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Hardik Pandya's inspiring words motivate Ramandeep Singh on his India T20I debut

In a video shared by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the India head coach, VVS Laxman, gave a cap to Hardik Pandya and asked him to present it to the debutant Ramandeep.

Pandya congratulated Ramandeep on his debut game and said that he deserved to play for India after putting in the hard work over the years.

"Raman I know this is a very special moment for you and your family and your loved ones. It has taken a lot of hard work for you to come here. You thoroughly deserve this. Enjoy the day. Cherish this moment. We all are with you and these moments don't come by too often," said Hardik to Ramandeep while handing over the India cap."

Ramandeep Singh replaced Avesh Khan in the India playing XI for the match. Speaking at the toss, India skipper Suryakumar Yadav said that they had to, unfortunately, leave Avesh Khan out of the playing XI to make way for Ramandeep because they decided to drop a pacer to fit in the all-rounder.

"The place from where I come from, only a few players have represented the country" - Ramandeep Singh

Speaking further in the same video, the 27-year-old Punjab all-rounder said that representing the country is an honor for him, and he is very grateful as well as overwhelmed for the opportunity.

He also stated that he would be looking to give his all on the field and help India win as many matches as possible. Ramandeep stated:

"In the place from where I come from, only a few players have represented the country. I'm very grateful for this opportunity. It is really overwhelming. A lot of people have worked for me so I will be looking to fulfil their expectations. I want to give my 100% for the country and help India win as many matches as I can."

Ramandeep Singh was called up to India's T20I squad on the back of his heroics in the Indian Premier League and domestic cricket. Overall, in 20 IPL matches, he has scored 170 runs at a strike rate of 166.66 and has bagged 6 wickets.

In T20s, he has featured in 57 matches while scoring 544 runs at an average of 24.72 and a strike rate of 170. With the ball, he has bagged 16 wickets with the best bowling figures of 3/20.

Watch: Hardik Pandya's speech and Ramandeep Singh's reaction to getting debut cap

💬 💬 This is overwhelming: #TeamIndia T20I debutant 🧢 Ramandeep Singh

Live ▶️ https://t.co/JBwOUCgZx8 #SAvIND | @Raman___19 | @hardikpandya7 pic.twitter.com/2lyXAwEiTu

— BCCI (@BCCI) November 13, 2024