‘This was a small series’ – Hardik Pandya on not giving chance Sanju Samson and Umran Malik
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Hardik Pandya, who led Team India in the absence of Rohit Sharma, has revealed why Sanju Samson and Umran Malik were not given a chance in the T20I series. The management came under harsh criticism after Samson and Malik weren’t included in the playing XI of the final match.
Many believe that Samson and Malik should be included in the XI as they are extremely talented. The failure of other names playing the same roles also fueled the debate. However, Pandya said that it was a small series, hence, they didn’t prefer too many changes. He also stated that everyone will get their chances in the coming months.
“First things first, who is saying what outside, doesn’t really affect us at this level. This is my team and I’ll pick the best side after discussing with the coach. There is ample of time. Everyone will get their chances and when they do, it will be a long run. This was a small series, if we had more matches then we could have tried out more players,” Pandya said at a press conference.
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Hardik Pandya emphasizes on having six bowling options
To further support his statement, Hardik Pandya pointed out that the management wanted to try Deepak Hooda, who also provided with a bowling option. Notably, Hooda picked up four wickets in the second T20I and was also decent on Tuesday (November 22) in the final game of the series.
“Jaise mujhe six-bowling option chahie tha aur woh cheeez is tour mein aya hai jaise Deepak ne ball dala hai. Thoda thoda karke agar aise batsman chip in karte rahenge (with the ball) toh aapke paas bohut sare mauke honge naye bowlers use karke opponents ko surprise karne ka. (For example, I wanted a six-bowling option and Deepak did that very well. If the batters start to chip in with the ball then we will have options to surprise the opposition), Pandya added.
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The Baroda-based all-rounder will now return home as he is not part of the squad for the ODI series. Veteran batter Shikhar Dhawan will take charge of captaincy duties. The three-match ODI series will kick start on Friday (November 25) at Eden Park. Kane Williamson, who missed the final T20I due to a medical appointment, will return to New Zealand’s squad.
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Wansh Agarwal
(140 Articles Published)