'I don't play to show anything to anybody' - Hardik Pandya on India captaincy debut

Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya has had an upturn in fortunes in the past few months.

Only last month, he led the Gujarat Titans to their maiden IPL title in his debut season as captain. And now, he’s going to captain India in the 2-match T20I series against Ireland.

Speaking to the press ahead of the first game in Dublin, Hardik said that he has learned a lot from former captains MS Dhoni & Virat Kohli.

Highlighting how the two icons have been an inspiration for him., Hardik stated: “My understanding of the game is different but I have taken a lot of good vibes from them.”

Talking about his captaincy stint with Team India, Pandya said, “Responsibilities have made me a better cricketer. It's such a big thing to lead India but I don't play the sport to show anything to anybody”

Hardik will be hoping to stamp his authority when he takes the field against Ireland, aiming for a sweep against Andrew Balbirnie’s men.

The Gujarat Titans skipper was the highest run-scorer for his team in this year's IPL with 487 runs. He also took 8 wickets during the tournament.

Also read: 'Opportunities to create leaders', Rahul Dravid on 6 captains in 8 months