IRE vs IND | Hardik Pandya gives insight into his conversation with VVS Laxman

It will be a big moment for Hardik Pandya as he will lead India during the tour to Ireland. India is travelling to Ireland for a two-match T20I series, starting on June 26 in Dublin. The second-string Indian side has been picked up as most of the senior players are busy preparing for the one-off Test match against England.

The absence of players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, and KL Rahul has allowed Hardik Pandya to don the skipper hat for the first time in the international circuit. 

The fans have great expectations from the decorated all-rounder as he flaunted his brilliant leadership qualities during the Indian Premier League 2022 by leading Gujarat Titans to their maiden win. 

Ahead of the T20I series, Pandya appeared before the press and candidly spoke at lengths regarding the challenges of captaining the Men in Blue. Ireland are a relatively easy opponent; however, India are not taking the series lightly. The stand-in skipper believes each game will be important for India considering the T20 World Cup scheduled in October this year. 

"It's a challenge mentally; it is easier to say that we are playing against Ireland but playing for India is the biggest pride. If we want to win the World Cup, every match from here is important for us to reach the World Cup final. 

The first thing I said to all is that it doesn't matter whom we are playing, we need to focus on our own things," Hardik Pandya said during the press conference, as quoted by the Hindustan Times. 

Apart from the skipper, India will also have a new coach during their tour to Ireland in the form of VVS Laxman. As Rahul Dravid has travelled to England for the Test match, scheduled from July 1 to July 5 in Edgbaston, Laxman will be doing the job. 

Speaking about the camaraderie between him and Laxman, Hardik mentioned that the two are on the same page. 

"We keep the same intensity we generally keep even if we are playing the World Cup or a big series. Again it comes down to mental strength; how better you can get because it's not easy in two matches getting yourself on but at the same time we are playing for India and we have to be on our A game which we will. 

The discussion between me and the coach is simple -- approach the game as you do in any other game for India," Hardik Pandya concluded.