New Year’s resolution is to win the World Cup: Hardik Pandya

Team India is all set to host Sri Lanka for three T20Is and as many ODIs starting January 3, 2023. The two teams will be locking horns in the first T20I which will be played at the iconic Wankhede Stadium. Hardik Pandya, who has been appointed as the captain for the 20-over games, will be aiming to continue his 100% winning record when he leads the team.

Hardik Pandya revealed that his New Year’s resolution is to lift the ODI World Cup 2023. India reached the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup 2022 but failed to make the cut for the finals after losing to England in the knockout game. With the 50-over World Cup approaching, Pandya has set his eyes on the coveted cup.

Ahead of the first T20I, Pandya addressed the press conference. He opened up about the team’s plans for the upcoming series as he said:

“One year back, things were quite different. It was my call to go out and get better and it has been a magical year for me. Obviously, we would have liked to win the T20 World Cup but that is part and parcel. It did not happen and that’s alright”.

India have not won an ICC tournament since the 2013 Champions Trophy. Their winless streak at major ICC tournaments extended when they were knocked out of the T20 World Cup 2022. Hardik Pandya, who has been a part of India’s scheme of things for a long time now, revealed that he wants to win a title with the team.

“Going forward, what do I want to achieve? There’s a lot to achieve. I haven’t achieved anything in my career. So, looking forward to the future and the goal is going to win the World Cup. The New Year’s resolution is to win the World Cup. I don’t think there can be any bigger resolution than that. Our aim will be to win the World Cup and we will try to do that. We will go out there and give everything and things are looking bright,” Pandya added.

I know the language of hard work: Pandya

Pandya was a part of India’s squad at the T20 World Cup in 2021, but suffered an injury to his back and was out of the international setup for almost five months. He marked his return to cricket for the IPL 2022 and took the captains role of Gujarat Titans.

He showed tremendous development as an all-rounder and showed great leadership potential. He led the franchise to a victory in their first-ever IPL outing. The 29-year-old has also led India brilliantly whenever handed the opportunity, and registered series wins against Ireland and New Zealand. Pandya spoke in depth about his future plans as he further stated:

“I know the language of hard work. I don’t think I know any other language in my life. I’ve been thrown to the deep end and the only thing that has got me back is my hard work. Keep working hard and make sure I look after my body, which I do. Injuries are a part of the game and I can’t change that. I am very confident of what I’ve done and believe in the process that has brought me here. Going forward, I just want to give my body ample chances to be out there and play my best.”