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“Maybe get an IPL contract” Hardik Pandya gifts his bat to Ireland player Harry Tector

In the match against Ireland, Hardik Pandya made a great gesture by giving an Ireland player his bat and backing him to play in the IPL.

Hardik Pandya took charge of the Indian team for the first time in his career as the Men in Blue won the first match of the two-match T20I series against Ireland by a margin of seven wickets.

Hardik Pandya praises Ireland player Harry Tector

On Sunday, June 26, at Malahide, India easily defeated Ireland in the first Twenty20 international. India, the top-ranked T20I team in the world, was the clear favorite going into the game, and the visitors lived up to their reputation during the match.

The performance of the home team’s youngster Harry Tector, who blasted an unbeaten 64 off 33 deliveries and led his team to a respectable total of 108 for four in 12 overs, was the only bright spot. His performance greatly impressed Pandya and Pandya praised him.

Hardik claimed following the game that the 22-year-old is capable of playing not only in the IPL but in all leagues worldwide. Hardik then gifted his bat to Harry Tector after the game.

“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. 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 there 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,” Hardik said.

Pandya also praised the crowd saying that he felt like playing at home because of the incredible support.

“Look when it was raining, I was just thinking you got to feel sorry for the fans because we were going to be playing a match here after a very long time, completely packed crowd, genuinely felt that we were playing back in India. When you come so far, to play against Ireland and it is very important for them that the match had to be played and good that it happened,” Hardik added.

Twitter Reactions:

Hardik Pandya said, "I've given a bat to Harry Tector, so he can score some more sixes and get an IPL contract, I wish him luck".

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 27, 2022

🎥 That moment when @hardikpandya7 revealed his conversations with Ireland's Harry Tector while handing over a bat after the first #IREvIND T20I. 👍 👍#TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/fB4IG6xHXN

— BCCI (@BCCI) June 27, 2022