'It's always an honour to lead your country,' Hardik on getting India captaincy for Ireland T20I series

Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya completed a full circle this week after being appointed captain of the national team for the Ireland T20Is, seven months after his snub from the side.

Pandya was dropped from the Indian white-ball side post their group-stage exit from the T20 World Cup last year. With his fitness being dodgy and Venkatesh Iyer doing decent in his absence, the Baroda cricketer was nowhere in contention for the national side even three months ago.

But, the seam-bowling all-rounder has managed to turn around his former courtesy of a blockbuster IPL season, where he spearheaded newbies Gujarat Titans (GT) both as a player as well as a leader to title glory.

Pandya was named deputy to Rishabh Pant for the ongoing South African series after stand-in skipper KL Rahul got ruled out due to injury.

With Pant set to join the red-ball squad ahead of the Edgbaston Test, Hardik was appointed skipper of the Indian team that will take on Ireland in a couple of T20Is on June 26 & 28.

Reacting to the development during an interview with the host broadcaster, Hardik said that he 'kind of knew' that he would be leading the side in Ireland.

The swashbuckling batter also reflected on how relentless hard work and the right mindset has paved the way for a complete turnaround in his life.

"I kind of knew at the start of this series that I would be leading the side after this series. So I kind of knew it. It's always an honour to lead your country. Who would have thought 7 months back? Life can change a lot if you put the right mind and if you keep working hard." 

Hardik smashed 487 runs in 16 innings besides claiming 8 wickets, including three in the final against the Rajasthan Royals.

He was fittingly adjudged the 'Player of the Final'.

"It comes naturally"- Hardik Pandya on his finisher role

Hardik played the role of anchor top-order batsman in the IPL, a stark contrast to his role in the national team.

When asked about the 'finisher's role' which he will be required to play for India, Hardik said that he enjoys it as it comes naturally to him.

"I have always enjoyed the finisher's role. Wherever I bat, you need to enjoy the situation, I enjoy the challenge. For me, it comes naturally because the rewards are as big as the challenges as well," he said.

Pandya has showcased his batting exploits to the hilt in the ongoing series. The hard-hitting batter smashed a brutal 12-ball 31* in the opening match and has followed it up with a crucial 31-ball 46 in the ongoing fixture at Rajkot.