Even a year ago, very few would have thought that Hardik Pandya would secure a return to Team India and go onto lead the contingent away from home. Ever since his return to the national side, he has played like a man possessed and from finishing in an exemplary fashion against Pakistan to rocking the English bowlers in a T20 World Cup semi-final, Pandya has been a Titan redivivus.

Despite a valiant knock in the semis against England, Pandya couldn’t inspire India to a win and eventually was caught in the heat that the Men in Blue found themselves in after crashing out of the showpiece event. However, the Indian captain for the T20Is against New Zealand, Hardik Pandya doesn’t want to think any further about the T20 World Cup. His sole intention now is to move forward.

Talking in a media interaction with the reporters, Hardik said, “These guys are young by age, but not by experience. They have played plenty of IPL and got good amount of Internationals as well. I think the youngsters of today don't get intimidated by not having played too much cricket.”

He further added, “If the situation demands, me and the more experienced players will play different roles, but this tour is for the new guys to get more clarity, opportunities and a chance to express themselves.”

Talking about the T20 World Cup, Hardik said, “The World Cup is done, I've left it behind. The disappointment will be there, but we can't go back and change things. We're now looking forward to this series.”

Hardik will be leading the Indian team in the ongoing T20I series against New Zealand, while he will continue to be an important part of the Men in Blue as an important string of contests steam ahead with the 2023 World Cup in sight.