Hardik, who captains the team in place of regular skipper Rohit Sharma in the three-game T20 series, said the Indian team did not believe in dwelling on the past.
“These guys are young in age, but not in experience. They’ve played a lot of IPL and also got a good amount of internationals. I think young people today aren’t intimidated by not having played too much cricket.
“If the situation calls for it, me and more experienced players will take on different roles, but this tour is for newer players to get more clarity, opportunities and a chance to express themselves,” Hardik said after the first T20I was taken here without a bowling ball.
“The World Cup is over, I left it behind. The disappointment will be there, but we can’t go back and change things. We are now looking forward to this series,” he added.
The three-game T20 series will be watched like many ODIs.
New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson says the ongoing series is a good platform to test players like Adam Milne, who was unlucky at the T20 World Cup where the Kiwis and India went out in the semi-finals.
While India lost in the semi-finals to eventual champions England, New Zealand were kicked out by Pakistan.
“It’s about improving, especially in the knockout matches. Players like Adam Milne were in the T20 World Cup squad but didn’t get the chance, so that’s the right time to give them playing time,” he said.
“We’re going to start from scratch, it’s a new series that both teams are looking forward to. We both wanted to go to the final, but we have a week to rest and prepare for that.”
Preparations ✅Time to get started 👍 👍#TeamIndia | #NZvIND https://t.co/2Z6te21HpK
— BCCI (@BCCI) 1668747601000
Asked about the Channel 2 Indian team here, Williamson said: “I have no doubt they will all be great players for India, I saw them all in the IPL. They have great quality no matter what. be the names they put out.”
Williamson said the upcoming three-game ODI series against India will be a great opportunity for young Kiwi players to impress managers and claim next year’s 50-year-old World Cup.
“Most teams are preparing for major events which are not too far away, and the ODI format will now be a great opportunity for the guys to come.
“I’m sure there will be plenty of opportunities for the guys to shine. We’ll have to wait and see what surfaces present to us, and we have to adjust,” he signed.
The second T20I of the series will be played at Mount Maunganui on Sunday.
