IND vs IRE | Every match is important if we want win World Cup, asserts Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya has been named captain of the Indian team for the two-match T20I series against Ireland. This will be the first time that the all-rounder will be leading India and he will be hoping that the team does well under his leadership. Although India will be without the services of a lot of regular players even then they will be hoping to do well against the hosts. 

"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," Hardik Pandya told the press on the eve of the 1st T20I in Dublin.

"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," he added.