Hardik Pandya says Prithvi Shaw will have to wait considering how Shubman Gill is batting

India skipper Hardik Pandya on Thursday said in-form opener Shubman Gill will start T20 series against New Zealand ahead of Prithvi Shaw, who has made a comeback to national team.

Considering Gill's sensational run in ODIs, Hardik said his selection was a -brainer. Gill has smashed three hundreds including a double ton in his last four innings.

Ishan Kishan is expected to open alongside Gill.

"Shubman has done well and will start series. way he is batting and was already in team," said Hardik ahead of first T20I.

Hardik bowled with new ball in T20Is against Sri Lanka before doing same in third ODI against New Zealand on Tuesday with Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj being rested from game.

Hardik said he likes bowling with new ball.

"I have always enjoyed bowling with new ball. Since quite a number of years whenever I bowl in nets, I pick new ball. I am used to old ball so that I don't feel need to practice with old ball as much. It has helped in match situations.

"With our two main bowlers rested in last game, I had to be ready. But (it) has never been about pressure, half of times pressure is gone if you prepare well," said Hardik.

We w talk more about life than game: Hardik on meeting Dhoni

Getting to play in Ranchi also has added benefits for entire team including Hardik. players got to meet MS Dhoni at ground ahead of game.

"Mahi bhai is here which is good as we get to meet him. We can get out of hotel also (to meet him). Orwise, way we have played in last one month, it has just been hotel to hotel.

"And when we meet we try to talk about life rar than game. When we played toger I learnt a lot from him. I have squeezed a lot out of him (kwledge)... re is t much left," said Hardik.

skipper also said wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma has been rewarded for his performances in IPL and domestic cricket but did t commit wher he will be in playing eleven.

"Our strategy will be seen on ground. Jitesh has been rewarded for his performances. Unfortunately, Sanju Samson got injured and Jitesh got opportunity.

"We will try to win obviously. New Zealand is a good team both in T20Is and ODIs. y always challenge you. We will have to be at ir best to beat m," he added.

India won ODI series 3-0 and it is being followed by three T20Is in Ranchi, Luckw and Ahmedabad respectively. 

Im: PTI