Hardik Pandya, an all-rounder for India, has made it clear that he is interested in taking over the role of former Indian captain MS Dhoni in T20 Internationals going forward. The swashbuckling all-rounder divulged the fact that he is always eager to take on new duties and responsibilities if it is for the benefit of the team at a particular point in the match.
Hardik’s career got its start as a finisher, and it’s in that role that he’s been most successful for India. On multiple occasions, he has won close games for India with calmness just in the nick of time.
The 29-year-old Indian all-rounder, who has a strike rate of 142.17 in T20Is, played his part perfectly on January 1, scoring 30 runs off 17 balls with 4 fours and a six.
Hardik Pandya, speaking at India’s post-match press conference following their win over New Zealand, emphasised the need of playing responsibly and using a calculated counter-attacking strategy. He stated, “I’ve always been excited about the prospect of trying my hand at new things or accepting different responsibilities. It’s not a concern for me to step in and fill the shoes that Maahi Bhai (MS Dhoni) once occupied in times of crisis for the team. Back then, I was young and carefree, but now that he’s gone, the burden of responsibility has eventually been placed on my shoulders. My mind just came up with the notion on its own, and I have no problem carrying it through.”
Shubman Gill’s incredible performance of 126 runs off 63 balls helped India put New Zealand up against an insurmountable 234-run target in the game that decided the series. The young Indian opener batsman is only the fifth Indian player in the history of the sport to ever score a century in any one of the three formats of cricket. Following that, India’s bowlers put on an outstanding demonstration of their capabilities. India won the match with a score of 168 runs, limiting New Zealand to 66 runs, and clinching the series with a 2-1 lead.
