IND vs IRE: Umran Malik To Make Debut? Hardik Pandya Says “There Will Be A Couple Of Caps Given” In Ireland T20Is

Published - 25 Jun 2022, 09:54 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:09 AM

Hardik Pandya, Umran Malik. (Photo: Twitter)

Star India National Cricket Team all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who will be leading India in the upcoming two-match T20I series against Ireland, has hinted at a couple of debuts in the series.

The first match of the two-match T20I series between Hardik Pandya-led India National Cricket Team and Ireland National Cricket Team will be played at The Village, Malahide, Dublin on Sunday, June 26.

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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.

“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,” the new captain said.

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.

I am not here to show anything to anybody – Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya, India — Hardik Pandya. Image Credits: BCCI

Hardik Pandya was further asked if he would like to prove his mettle in the series, to which he replied by saying that he is not in the team to show anything to anybody and his focus is on bringing success to the Indian team in the Ireland series.

“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.