Former India opener Gautam Gambhir’s first assignment as head coach got off to a good start as India won the T20I series 3-0 against Sri Lanka after veteran trio Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja bid adieu to the format. The third T20I turned out to be a nail-biting corner where India’s part-time spinners, captain Suryakumar Yadav and Rinku Singh took four wickets in last two overs and took the game into super over. After the ‘fielder of the series’ medal was awarded to Rinku Singh by assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate, Gambhir called Hardik Pandya to say a few words.
Hardik lauded vice-captain Shubman Gill and all-rounder Riyan Parag for helping India recover from the batting collapse. He also emphasised on the need for the lower order to contribute with the bat.
“I think in batting first we were challenged. The conditions were difficult but I think after losing those early wickets Shubman and Riyan the way they batted and created the partnership was brilliant. I think when you speak about situational awareness, at that point of time, what you both did was very, very important. That gave us a platform to at least reach to a decent total which our bowlers can, make sure and bowl at the right areas. Especially, I always emphasise on the fact that the lower order has to chip in and I think Washi (Washington Sundar) those eight runs by Bishi (Ravi Bishnoi) were very important,” the 30-year-old all-rounder said.
Hardik lauds Surya, Washington too
Hardik hailed captain Suryakumar for rotating the bowlers well and then showing faith in Rinku Singh to bowl the penultimate over when Sri Lanka needed nine runs. He also praised Washington Sundar who took a couple of wickets in slog overs and then conceded two runs to take two wickets in super over. Hardik won’t be available for the ODI series starting on August 2 and backed the team to do well.
“As Gauti bhai mentioned, Surya, well done on making sure that the way you rotated the bowlers, showing faith in them which you gave in the last couple of overs. That was brilliant. And as a bowling group, obviously it was fantastic. Everyone chipped in. Washi, well done buddy. When you win games like this, eventually it kind of takes us forward. We are taking step by step, but this was definitely a right step going forward for the future. Well done to all the guys who are playing ODIs, kill it! Continue,” he added.
Hardik back in action on October
Hardik did not play in the last T20I. He backed two wickets and scored 31 runs from first two games. Hardik will be back in action in T20Is in October. India are scheduled to play against Bangladesh in three-T20I series starting October 6.
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