Hardik Pandya scored 70 runs off 52 balls in the third ODI against the West Indies.
Hardik Pandya, India’s star all-rounder, said mainstays Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli should be rested for the second and third One-Day Internationals against the West Indies to allow India to offer opportunity to youth ahead of the World Cup. Skipper Rohit and former captain Kohli were rested once more in the series finale, which India won 2-1 after a massive 200-run victory here on Tuesday under Hardik’s guidance. “Virat and Rohit are vital members of the team.” And, you know, clearly, this was really crucial for someone like Rutu (Ruturaj Gaikwad) or Axar (Patel) to have a game because they’ve been playing cricket for so long, they know precisely how all these circumstances have been.
“So kind of giving the youngsters exposure and kind of making sure that if we want to check something, we have the opportunity to do it,” Hardik said after the game.
Hardik blasted away to an unbeaten 52-ball 70 in the series-deciding third ODI after struggling to fire in the first two matches, and he hailed Kohli for his assistance during a “wonderful” talk.
“I had a wonderful conversation with Virat a few days ago, and the kind of advice he gave me, he has seen me throughout the years.” He has watched me from the beginning of my worldwide career, which has lasted nearly seven or eight years.
“I was just waiting for the chance, and once I got into a groove, I could get going.” When I get one ball out of the middle, everything changes. That is something I have seen throughout my career.” After losing the second One-Day International, India was on the verge of losing their first series in the Caribbean in 17 years, but an all-round performance delivered a crushing victory for the visitors.
“If I’m being completely honest, as a captain, I look forward to games where something is at stake, and not just an international game.” We understood there would be disappointment if we failed,” Hardik explained.
Shubman Gill hit 85 off 92 balls and, together with the in-form Ishan Kishan (77 off 64 balls), laid the groundwork for a large score.
Sanju Samson (51 off 41 balls) made a strong case for selection as a reserve middle-order hitter, while Hardik hammered five sixes and four boundaries on an excellent batting strip.
The chase was always out of the question, and Mukesh Kumar’s three-wicket burst with some fine seam bowling in the first powerplay shattered the West Indies’ aspirations as they were bowled out for 151 in 35.3 overs.
“Obviously, West Indies woke up kind of late with that partnership and took the game to the 34th over, but the game was over in the powerplay itself.”
