India were unsuccessful in their bid to win the T20 World Cup in Australia, losing to eventual winners England in the semifinals in what was a closely-fought match. However, the team's performance has not deterred Hardik Pandya, with the Men in Blue already ready for their next challenge of the tournament when they take on the other beaten semi-finalists New Zealand in the first T20I of India's limited overs tour in New Zealand.
“We all know there is disappointment in 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 (as well), move forward and look forward to getting better rectify our mistakes," Pandya told reporters on Wednesday ahead of the first match.
Pandya will captain a young T20I squad in their match against New Zealand in the three-match series starting on Friday, November 16. A number of players will be tried ahead of the next T20 world cup slated to be held in 2024, according to Pandya.
“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 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," he said.
The selectors decided to rest many of the senior members of the T20 World Cup squad for the New Zealand tour but that does not mean that the team lacks experience with the likes of Shubman Gill, Umran Malik, Ishan Kishan, Sanju Samson have played enough international cricket for India.
“The main boys are not here but at 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. They have had ample chances and enough time in international cricket to express themselves and show what they have. Very excited for them, a new bunch of guys, new energy and excitement," the allrounder said.
