This Sunday evening, India take on Ireland onwards 9 pm IST in the first T20I at The Village Stadium, Dublin. Hardik will lead India for the first time in his career. The men in blue stand to defend a 3-0 record against Ireland in T20I cricket
The Pandya-led Indian team clashes against Ireland in two T20Is in Dublin: on June 26 and June 28. On the other hand, India’s Test team is playing a four-day warm-up match against Leicestershire. While a Hardik Pandya-led second-string Team India is preparing for clash against Ireland, a star-studded senior team will play the rescheduled one-off Test match against England from July 1.
However, with news of Rohit Sharma testing covid positive Saturday, it remains to be seen who will lead India for the England Test. KL Rahul was appointed vice-captain by the selectors when the squad was announced in May. However, he is not in England after picking up a groin injury before the home T20I series against South Africa recently. The BCCI has not yet given any update on Rahul’s fitness and is yet to name a deputy to Rohit.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of the India vs Ireland 1st T20 International, Hardik Pandya said that after he was named captain for India-Ireland series, he has gathered a lot of crucial points from Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni. “Obviously, I have learnt a lot of things from them (MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli) but mainly, I want to be my own self. My understanding of the game is in a different way. I go with my gut instincts,” the all-rounder shared.
Also Read: India’s Lineup For Ireland Series Announced; Hardik Pandya To Captain
