Hardik Pandya opens up on the conversation he had with VVS Laxman ahead of the first T20I against Ireland

Hardik Pandya is all set to make his captaincy debut for the Indian team in the T20I series against Ireland. The star all-rounder has been given the chance in the absence of senior players, who are busy preparing for the rescheduled Test match against England. Pandya impressed everyone with his ability to lead the team in Gujarat's winning campaign in the Indian T20 League 2022.

The Indian team will feature many young faces in the two-match series. While Rahul Tripathi has earned his first international call-up, Suryakumar Yadav and Sanju Samson both make their return to the side. Pandya spoke with the media before the game and opened up on his mindset as he takes on India's leadership assignment for the first time.

"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," he said.

The 28-year-old also revealed the conversation he had with VVS Laxman, the team's head coach for this series. Rahul Dravid, India's current head coach, is currently with the Test team as they prepare for the rescheduled fifth Test match against England, which is slated for July 1-5 in Edgbaston.

"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," said Pandya.

The two T20Is will be contested in the Village in Dublin on June 26th and 28th.