New Delhi: Indian men's cricket team head coach Rahul Dravid is "pleased to have star all-rounder Hardik Pandya back" in the squad for the home T20 series against South Africa, starting from June 9.
Pandya led the debutants Gujarat Titans to glory in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 edition that ended last month.
Addressing the media, Dravid said: "Hardik’s leadership was impressive right through the IPL. You need to be designated leader to be part of leadership group. From our perspective, we would want to get the best out of his skills, batting bowling and fielding."
When asked about young speed sensation Umran Malik, Dravid said: "He's quick and improving with every session and has a lot to learn. We have to be realistic about the game time because we have a large squad."
The youngster from Jammu and Kashmir caught the eyes of the selectors in the IPL with fastest deliveries with a speed between 152 to 157 kmph.
India all-format captain Rohit Sharma, besides Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah are among the senior players to be rested for the five-match series.
In Rohit's absence KL Rahul will lead the charge and Rishabh Pant will be his deputy.
"Rohit is our all format player. It would be unwise to expect everyone to be available all the time. We want them to be fit and fresh as well. There would be times where we would have to rest our big players," Dravid said on Rohit's absence.
Speaking about Rahul's slow approach, Dravid said: "We are looking for good starts. We know our top 3. If it is high scoring games, we would want them to maintain that strike rate throughout but there would be tricky matches too. We have the kind of quality at top 3, who can deliver."
"With Dinesh, it is clear with the role. At the backend of the game, he can make a difference. That’s why he has been picked, to bat in those positions and deliver for India as well," said the head coach.
Dinesh Karthik has been in form in the recently concluded IPL 2022 and has made valuable contribution with the bat and played finishers role with his big hitting prowess in the death overs.
The first match of the five-match series will act as a platform for the hosts to chase 13-0 T20I winning record and become an all-time great team in this format leading to the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2022.
The opening match will be played here at Arun Jaitley Stadium on June 9. (UNI)