IND vs SL 2022: We’re going to back you to the core – Hardik Pandya’s message to his team

India’s stand-in captain Hardik Pandya has asked his young team to express themselves on the field in the upcoming series against Sri Lanka. Pandya has confirmed that they are going to back the young players to the core.

The all-rounder shed light on the roadmap that the team wants to take ahead of the ODI World Cup and Pandya revealed the new year’s resolution is to win the World Cup.

Pandya also admitted that the team’s approach before the T20 World Cup was right but they could not continue to bat aggressively in the T20I showpiece. India’s run rate in the Powerplay overs was disappointing in Australia as the openers – Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul – could not get going.

“You see, I think before the [T20] World Cup, I don’t think we did anything wrong,” Hardik said in Mumbai, a day before the series opener against Sri Lanka. “Our template, approach, everything was the same. Yes, in the World Cup, things did not go how we wanted. And I think our approach was not the same – as what it was before the World Cup. What we have noticed and told the boys is that just go out there and express [yourself], which they will do. And it’s up to us how we back them.

“What we have said is that we’re going to back you to the core. All the players have that support from my side that I’m going to back them to the core. Who are here, these are the best cricketers in the country, that’s the reason they are here. So, I have to make them believe that, which is a fact as well. For me, it’s important that how can I make them feel that they’re the best of their business. And if I can get that thing done, and can get that confidence in them, then I don’t think that they will have any problem in international cricket. I think they will flourish and have amazing careers ahead.”

Pandya revealed the team will be making new plans based on their performances and they will try to give ample opportunities to the youngsters to prove their mettle.

“Obviously, the plans are set. We are looking to play in a certain way, which we will,” Hardik said without elaborating. “Before IPL only six games are there, so we don’t have much time to do a lot of things but going forward we will keep creating new plans and see which are the plans which are working for us. And going forward just make sure everyone gets ample opportunities and just that on the right time when needed just see what we need to do.”

The Indian all-rounder went on to add they won’t sledge the opposition but their body language will be positive against the Island country.

“No, we’re not looking to settle anything [after the Asia Cup loss],” Hardik said with a smile. “We want to play good cricket. Yes, we will make them feel like we’re in India, don’t worry about that, I assure and promise you they will feel that they’re playing an international team and that too India in India. So from my boys’ and my side, we’re going to be clear. We don’t need to go and sledge them, our body language is enough for them to feel a little intimidated which we will do, I promise you.”