The wounds of Adelaide will be fresh in millions of hearts but the game moves on. India is in New Zealand for a limited overs series and the stand-in captain for the T20I series Hardik Pandya addressed the media during the trophy launch. He touched upon the disappointment of the T20 World Cup and admitted there is room for improvement but the nature of the game does not allow for them to dwell, it calls for them to learn and walk ahead.
India is competing in the series without the service of the trio: Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul and Virat Kohli. Many believe that the team is in a transition phase with the T20 World Cup two years later and this could be the beginning of a new era in the format under Hardik Pandya. With the IPL retentions news breaking out on the eve of the trophy launch, the media asked Hardik Pandya about any interest for New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson in his franchise team Gujarat Titans. He replied wishing his fellow mate good luck in auctions and shut any further questions on the IPL by saying “IPL is IPL, right now I am playing for India.”
Pandya’s calm but stern reply is a great insight into his mind. He has reached a stage of utmost confidence in skill and his ability to stay unnerved in tense situations and rally his teammates certainly holds him good stead, keeping an eye on the future. After two disappointing shows in successive World cups, India’s batting style needs massive rejig from the conservative approach to a more dynamic and versatile one. The next phase of Indian Men’s Cricket promises to great intrigue!