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The Men in Blue are gearing up for three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka as Hardik Pandya will be seen spearheading the Indian pack in absence of regular skipper Rohit Sharma. Pandya's leadership skill is known to everyone which was on display when he led Gujarat Titans to title glory in the Indian Premier League 2022 (IPL).
Now, the star all-rounder has a bigger and more responsible task on his table, which is repeat his captaincy success for the Indian team.
Meanwhile, Pandya on the eve of the first T20I against the Island Nation on Tuesday (January 2) revealed his New Year resolution for the Indian team, which is to win the ODI World Cup 2023 to be held in India later this year.
In the pre-match press conference Pandya said,"Yes. The biggest - to win the World Cup. There can be no bigger resolution. We will try everything in our capacity to win. Things are looking bright.”
The 29-year-old also spoke on several issue in view of the slam bang series against Sri Lanka.
Managing bowling management
“I will manage according to me. There will be no tension.”
Settling the scores
“No, we are not looking to settle the scores. We want to play good cricket. From my side, we are clear. We will not sledge them. Our body language will be such they will be intimidated. Let me fully concentrate in blues first and then I will focus on whites.”
Any key Sri Lankan players?
“All the players who took the game away from us in the Asia Cup are important. They are the exciting team. The emotion is there. What has happened in the country in the past has made them determined.”
Vice captain Suryakumar Yadav
“He played international cricket late. I was always keen that he was part of the India team from 2020. I hope he continues the run. When he scores runs, he helps the team win. He is a very important player for all format. He can change the momentum and the situation in red ball cricket. In white ball cricket, I need not tell how important he is. He is one of the most important players in the team.”
India's squad for Sri Lanka T20Is: Hardik Pandya (Captain), Ishan Kishan (wk), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (VC), Deepak Hooda, Rahul Tripathi, Sanju Samson, Washington Sundar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Harshal Patel, Umran Malik, Shivam Mavi and Mukesh Kumar.
India's squad for Sri Lanka ODIs: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), Hardik Pandya (vice-captain), Washington Sundar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Mohd. Shami, Mohd. Siraj, Umran Malik and Arshdeep Singh.
The schedule
Date Match Details Venue Time (IST)
January 3 India vs Sri Lanka, 1st T20I Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai 7:00 PM
January 5 India vs Sri Lanka, 2nd T20I Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune 7:00 PM
January 7 India vs Sri Lanka, 3rd T20I Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Rajkot 7:00 PM
January 10 India vs Sri Lanka, 1st ODI Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati 1:30 PM
January 12 India vs Sri Lanka, 2nd ODI Eden Gardens, Kolkata 1:30 PM
January 15 India vs Sri Lanka, 3rd ODI Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram 1:30 PM
