IND vs NZ: "He Is Just Not Only Tactically Sound, But He Is Very Calm On The Field" - VVS Laxman Lavishes Praise On Hardik Pandya Ahead Of First T20I

Days after their embarrassing exit from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022, India players put their heads down and began preparing for the next three-match T20I series against New Zealand, with the first T20I set to be played in Wellington on Friday, November 18. Hardik Pandya would lead Team India in the T20I series while Shikhar Dhawan would captain in ODIs.

India will play three T20Is and three ODIs against New Zealand between November 18 and 30. The first T20I will be held in Wellington, followed by matches in Mount Maunganui and Napier. India’s all-format captain Rohit Sharma, as well as senior batsmen Virat Kohli and KL Rahul, have been rested, and VVS Laxman will be joined by a new coaching staff.

Hardik Pandya Is A Fabulous Leader – Vvs Laxman

Stand-in Team India head coach VVS Laxman, while addressing a press conference ahead of the first T20I, praised Hardik Pandya’s level-headedness as a leader and called him a “player’s captain”.

“He is a fabulous leader. We have seen what he has done with Gujarat Titans in the IPL. Taking leadership in the first year of the franchise in the tournament, and winning the league is not a mean achievement. I have spent a lot of time with him since the Ireland series, he is just not only tactically sound, but he is very calm on the field and that is something which is very important at the highest level.”

Hardik Pandya Is A Players’ Captain – Vvs Laxman

Former Indian batsman VVS Laxman praised Pandya’s ability to stay calm under pressure. He said, “There would be situations when you would be under pressure and that is when you are required to be calm as a leader. Also, his presence in the dressing room, and his work ethics are exemplary. The way he leads the side both on and off the field is fabulous.”

“I think he is a players’ captain, he is very approachable. All the players go up to him and confide with him. I think that is something which I really like about Hardik, and he leads by example both on and off the field.”

Hardik Pandya led the Gujarat Titans (GT) to the title in their debut season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). His exploits with the IPL franchise rewarded him with the opportunity to lead the national team. Earlier this year, he guided the Men in Blue to a 2-0 series win over Ireland. Many expect Pandya to take over as Team India’s full-time T20 captain after Rohit Sharma steps down.

Also read: IND vs NZ: “I Don’t Think We Need To Prove Anything To Anyone, There Are Things We Need To Work On…” – Hardik Pandya Responds To Michael Vaughan’s India Biggest Underperformers Remark