After leading Team India to a comfortable 200-run win in the series decider of the 3-match ODI series against the West Indies, acting captain Hardik Pandya said that he enjoys high-pressure matches in which there is a lot on the line.
India defeated West Indies 2-1 in the series after winning the third ODI match by an overwhelming 200 runs on Wednesday at Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba with to early breakthroughs from Mukesh Kumar and Shardul Thakur’s smash bowling.
“It’s a special win. To be honest, I look forward to this kind of games as a captain where there is something on the line. This was more than an international game. We knew what was at stake and there would be a lot of disappointment if we lost. The boys showed great character. They enjoyed it as well, in pressure situations it’s important to enjoy it as well,” Hardik Pandya said during the post-match presentation.
“Virat and Rohit are integral parts of the team. But it was important to rest them so that people like Ruturaj Gaikwad could get a chance. It was about giving opportunities to youngsters,” he added.
Additionally, Hardik Pandya revealed that he spoke with Virat Kohli prior to the game and that the former Team India skipper gave him the go-ahead to spend some time at the crease.
“I took it deep intentionally, wanted to have some time out in the middle. Had a great chat with Virat before the game, he wanted me to spend some time out in the middle and get used to the 50-over format. Really thankful for him to share that experience with me. Once you hit one ball and get into rhythm things are very different. The ball was doing just a bit. Scoring 350 was always crucial. When you have a total like that, batters chase the ball and if the luck is one your side, batters will nick it. Couple of really good catches by Gill,” the all-rounder said.
“West Indies woke up very late and there was that partnership that took it to the 34th over. The game was kind of over in the powerplay itself. This was one of the nicest grounds we have played. Things can be better when we come to West Indies next time. Things like travel, hopefully the West Indies cricket board can take note and ensure that there are no hiccups. We don’t ask for luxury but we need some basic necessities taken care of. [On Rohit’s part in the series win] Rohit can have the full (trophy),” Pandya added.
Rookie fast bowler Mukesh Kumar took three wickets conceding 30 runs while fellow pacer Shardul Thakur picked up four wickets for 37 runs. Left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav claimed two scalps while medium-pacer Jaydev Unadkat got one wicket.
West Indies lost their first wicket early while attempting to chase a challenging 352 run goal when Mukesh Kumar bowled Brandon King for a duck in the first over.
Alzarri Joseph and Gudakesh Motie recovered, putting up a 50-run stand for the ninth wicket in just 47 balls. However, their relationship came to an end when Thakur fired Joseph with a bouncer when he was only 26. Joseph was caught by Ishan Kishan during a botched pull shot.
With an angled delivery that hit the stumps, Thakur removed Jayden Seales for the final wicket. India defeated Pakistan by a huge 200 runs in 35.3 overs.
Earlier, Ishan Kishan and Shubman Gill’s superb opening partnership of 143 runs, followed by explosive performances from Sanju Samson and Hardik Pandya, helped India reach 351/5.
With 85 off 92, Gill had India’s highest total while Kishan played a solid 77-run knock. In addition to Sanju Samson’s crucial 51 runs off 41 balls, acting skipper Hardik Pandya played a blazing unbeaten knock of 70 runs off 52 balls. For West Indies, Romario Shepherd took two wickets while allowing 73 runs in his 10 overs of play.
