The T20 series will be played between India and New Zealand from November 18. Indian captain Hardik Pandya has reacted before this series. Pandya is extremely excited to see what the new core of players can do in the short series, which comes just a week after their T20 World Cup semi-final exit. In this series, India will be missing key players like regular captain Rohit Sharma, opener KL Rahul, star batsman Virat Kohli, experienced batsman Dinesh Karthik and batsman Ravichandran Ashwin.
In his absence, opener Shubman Gill, middle order batsman Shreyas Iyer, fast bowler Umran Malik, spinner Washington Sundar, spinner Kuldeep Yadav, fast bowler Mohammad Siraj, goaltender batsman Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson have had a chance. He said: “The main players are not here. But at the same time, the players who are already here, have been playing for India for about a year and a half or two. Even they have enough opportunities and have played enough internationally. “Time is spent.”
Hardik said at Wednesday’s pre-series news conference: “We’re very excited for him. The new player is ready to play with a lot of enthusiasm and new energy.”
Hardik also felt that the upcoming T20 series will be important for new players to be selected on a consistent basis. He further said: “Every series is important. You can’t go to international matches thinking it’s not important. Yes, the World Cup is important too, but it’s a different format, it’s 50 overs. But it’s important for a lot of players. An important series for them, in which they can claim their place with a good performance.”
Hardik also praised the team led by Kane Williamson who, like India, was knocked out of the T20 World Cup at the semi-final stage. Martin Guptill didn’t even play in the T20 World Cup, but he was in the semifinals. We all know that New Zealand have been a great team over the years, that they have always done well and always challenge you as a team.”