We don't need to sledge, our body language is enough to intimidate them: Hardik Pandya

Team India will commence the new year with a home T20I series against neighbors Sri Lanka, led by the stand-in skipper Hardik Pandya. The mercurial all-rounder is bullish about his side's chances in the upcoming series and feels there is no need for unpleasantries as their 'body language is enough' to intimidate the visitors.

Although the hosts are without several key players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul for the series, their formidable record against the islanders at home makes them the overwhelming favorites for the three-match series. While the damaging defeat to Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup 2022 still lingers fresh in the minds of several Indian players, stand-in skipper Hardik Pandya is looking forward to playing good cricket.

The influential all-rounder is not looking to settle any scores, but he is keen to stop the Sri Lankan players who dented their hopes in the Asia Cup last year. Pandya's India are expected to play a fearless brand of cricket despite several fresh faces in the squad.

"No, we're not looking to settle anything [after the Asia Cup loss], We want to play good cricket. Yes, we will make them feel like we're in India, don't worry about that, I assure and promise you they will feel that they're playing an international team and that too India in India. So from my boys and my side, we're going to be clear. We don't need to go and sledge them, our body language is enough for them to feel a little intimidated which we will do, I promise you," the stand-in skipper said during the pre-match presser on Monday.

India have never lost a home T20I series against their imminent opponents, and a commanding series victory this year will further bolster Hardik Pandya's reputation as a leader. He is considered the front-runner to take over the baton from the injured Rohit Sharma, with the 2024 T20 World Cup still a distant prospect.