‘I’ve given him a bat’: Hardik Pandya lauds young Ireland star Harry Tector

Dublin: After the emphatic victory over Ireland, India stand-in captain Hardik Pandya was full of praise for Irish batter Harry Tector and has even earmarked the young up-and-comer as a future IPL prospect.

The 22-year-old Irish smashed three maximums and six boundaries during his unbeaten 64 off 33 in a rain-affected clash here on Sunday. But his innings proved in vain as India easily chased down Ireland's total in less than 10 overs.

Pandya spoke freely of Tector's superb innings during his post-match press conference and revealed he gave the right-hander one of his bats that he hopes he may be able to use in a future edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

"He played some fantastic shots, and obviously, he's 22, I've given him a bat as well, so maybe he can score some more sixes and maybe get an IPL contract, and I wish him luck," Pandya said.

It's not the first time that Tector has caught the eye on the big stage, with Ireland's confident No.4 also performing well for his country at the ICC Under 19 Cricket World Cup in 2018.

Tector was Ireland’s second highest run scorer at that tournament in New Zealand, with his match-winning 101 against Namibia in Lincoln.

"Just look after him well, give him the right guidance. It's not always about cricket; it's about understanding your whole lifestyle and what is at stake. If you can manage that, I'm sure he's going to be around - not just in IPL, in all the leagues in the world," he added.

India and Ireland will play the second and final match of the two-match series here on Tuesday. (UNI)