New Zealand vs India 2022

‘Yes, there is disappointment’- Hardik Pandya speaks up for the first time after 20-20 World Cup failure

India were dealt a humiliating loss at the hands of England in the 20-20 World Cup. The Rohit Sharma-led side were outclassed by a massive 10 wickets at Adelaide. Ever since the loss, questions are being asked of the team management as well as Rohit Sharma. There are rumours of a change in captain for the Indian team.

Many suggest Hardik Pandya to be made the captain for the shortest format of the game. The batting all-rounder took the debutant Gujarat team to an Indian T20 League victory in the first season itself. He was then given Team India’s captaincy for the Ireland tour suggesting more responsibility in the future.

Currently, Pandya is gearing up to lead the team against New Zealand in a three-match T20I series starting on Friday. The 29-year-old has called for the team to overcome World Cup failure and look ahead.

“Yes, we all know there is disappointment of the World Cup but we are professionals and we need to cope with it. How we cope with our success we cope up with our failures and move forward and look forward to get better rectify our mistakes,” Pandya told reporters.

The road map starts from now- Hardik Pandya

The next 20-20 World Cup is scheduled to be played in 2024 in USA and West Indies. The Indian team is expected to undergo a major transition ahead of the next world cup with the likes of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to be eased out of the T20I side.

“Yes, the next T20 WC is almost two years so we have time (to unearth new talent). A lot of cricket will be played and a lot of people will get enough chances.

“The road map starts from now. But it’s too fresh right now. We have a lot of time so we will sit down and have conversations on those grounds,” Pandya said. “Right now, it’s making sure that the boys enjoy playing here. We will talk about the future later,” he added. Many of the senior players will be missing the India- New Zealand series giving others a chance to showcase their capability.

“The main boys are not here but the same time the talent which the guys who are already here, they have also been playing for one-and-a-half, two years now,” he said.