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West Indies wicketkeeper-batter Nicholas Pooran let the bat do the talking, and then rubbed salts on Hardik Pandya’s wounds in retaliation for the latter’s comments after third T20I. Pooran smashed the Indian skipper for two consecutive sixes in the decider and contributed with a crucial 35-ball 47 in the hosts' successful run chase to win the series 3-2.
“Nicky (Pooran) didn't come out to bat and that allowed us to keep our pacers back, also allowed Axar to bowl his four overs. If Nicky wants to hit, let him hit me and that was the plan, I enjoy such competition. I know he is going to hear this and will come hard at me in the fourth T20I,” Pandya had said in the post-match presentation.
Pooran did the zip sign in a video he posted with teammate Akeal Hosein. Also, he shared a post on Instagram where Pandya's quote was mentioned along with the Caribbean batter's reply with the bat.
The southpaw scored 176 runs in the five-T20I series including a half-century. This is the third-highest against India in a T20I series. During the series, he also became the leading run-scorer in T20Is against West Indies. In addition, he has the most T20I sixes against India. Pooran was adjudged ‘Player of the series’ for his consistent performances with the bat.
Despite India’s first T20I series loss to West Indies since 2017 and their first series loss comprising five T20Is, Pandya tried to look at the positives.
“We try to get better. In hindsight, it is fine. We don't need to explain much. I know how the boys are within the group. We have enough time to figure out. Losing is good at times. On the positive side, we have done a lot of learnings. The boys showed character,” the fast-bowling all-rounder said.
“Every youngster who is coming in, is showing character. I can't be more happy when I see a youngster comes in and puts his hand up. A big thank you to everyone. The T20 World Cup would be here. There would be bigger numbers then.”
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