After an outstanding performance in the third ODI against the West Indies on Tuesday in Trinidad, Hardik Pandya Team India’s acting captain credited Kohli for his batting contributions. Pandya praised Kohli and claimed that the advice from the veteran batsman had been helpful.
Pandya recaptured his form in the final, slamming 70* off 52 balls after being bowled for 5 and 7 in the first two ODIs against the West Indies. The all-arounder struggled with the willow at first, but once he found his groove, he was unstoppable.
Pandya raised India’s score to 351/5 with four fours and five sixes. Following that, the bowlers performed their jobs, dismissing the hosts for 151 in 35.3 overs. The acting skipper discussed his conversation with Kohli in detail at the post-game presentation.
I just had a lovely conversation with Virat, and I can tell from his advice that he has known me for a long time. He has known me since the beginning of my international cricket career, which has been close to seven or eight years. He gave me some advice that was incredibly helpful, he stated.
Pandya responded when asked what advice the experienced batter had given him:
He just wanted me to spend some time on the crease and get used to the 50-over game too because we have played so many T20 formats, and yeah, that kind of stayed in my mind and I was just waiting for the opportunity, the author said. I appreciate him so much for sharing that experience with me, too.
Ishan Kishan (77), Shubman Gill (85), and Sanju Samson (51) all scored fifty before Pandya, putting the West Indies onslaught to rest.
“Rohit Sharma & Virat Kohli are a very important part of the India team” – Captain Hardik Pandya
Despite the fact that the series was on the line, the Indian management rested Captain Rohit Sharma and Kohli for the second straight game. Pandya supported the action and argued that it was crucial to expose young players to different situations.
“Virat and Rohit play a crucial role in the squad. And, you know, clearly, it was crucial for players like Rutu or Axar to have a game because, having played cricket for such a long time, they are familiar with the specifics of all these scenarios. Giving the young people exposure is one thing, but another is making sure we get the chance to check things, the all-rounder added.”
India will now play West Indies in five T20I matches from August 3 to August 13 after winning the ODI series.
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