Ind vs NZ T20Is: Check Hardik Pandya’s ‘bold statement’ in response to criticism of leaving out Sanju Samson

Fans across the globe criticised Team India’s management for not picking the likes of Sanju Samson and Umran Malik in the playing XI for the T20I series against New Zealand. However, captain Hardik Pandya isn’t fussed about the fan’s concerns and criticism surrounding the incident.

Pandya, who led India to a 1-0 series win against the Kiwis, said that he doesn’t believe in changing playing elevens in short series.

“What people are saying from outside, it doesn’t matter much at this level. This is my team, firstly. The coach and I will pick the team we feel is right. There is a lot of time, everyone will get a chance, when one gets a chance, he will get a long run,” Hardik said in the post-match press conference.

“If it was a longer series, if there were more matches, obviously opportunities would have been given. But when it is a short series, I don’t believe in chop and change and in the future also, I wouldn’t believe,” the explosive all-rounder stated.

The 29-year-old all-rounder, however, accepted that it’s tough for a player to warm the benches on a regular basis.

“If they are sitting out... Sanju Samson, for example…we wanted to play him, but for whatever reason, we couldn’t. But I can get into their shoes and understand how they are feeling. As a cricketer, it is difficult, whatever one might say,” he admitted.