Hardik Pandya on Talisman Batsmen Being Dropped For Third ODI: Virat And Rohit Rested To Give More Exposure To Youngsters In Squad

To assist India offer chances to new players ahead of the World Cup, star all-rounder Hardik Pandya suggested veteran players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli ought to be rested for the second and third ODIs against West Indies.

In the last ODI of the series, which India won 2-1 following a massive 200-run victory here on Tuesday under Hardik’s leadership, skipper Rohit and previous captain Kohli were once again rested.

“Virat and Rohit play a crucial role in the squad. And, you know, obviously, getting a game was crucial for someone like Rutu (Ruturaj Gaikwad) or Axar (Patel), who have been playing cricket for so long that they are familiar with the specifics of all these scenarios.

At the post-game awards ceremony, Hardik remarked, “So sort of giving the young people exposure and kind of making sure that we have the chance to check things.

Hardik, who struggled in the first two games, exploded for an unbeaten 52-ball 70 in the third ODI, which decided the series. He praised Kohli for his assistance during their “wonderful” conversation.

“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 from the beginning of my international cricket career, which has been close to seven or eight years.

He only wanted me to practice being at the crease and getting acquainted to the 50-over game. He had some excellent advice. I sort just kept thinking about it,” Hardik remarked.

“I was simply waiting for the chance, and once I found my groove, I could start. The situation changes significantly as I remove one ball from the center. That is something I have observed in my career. India was in danger of losing their first series in the Caribbean in 17 years after losing the second ODI, but an all-around effort resulted in a resounding triumph for the visitors.

“If I’m being really honest, I look forward to these kind of games when something is at stake rather than simply an international match as a captain. We were aware that there would be disappointment if we failed,” Hardik added.

“That’s something I want our squad to have. The way the lads came out and shown their character while still having fun. They have to accept pressure while also relishing it. You can’t be a hero if you don’t face pressure. India was always in the lead in the last ODI after scoring an impressive 351 for five after being assigned to bat first.

In-form Ishan Kishan (77 off 64 balls) and Shubman Gill (85 off 92 balls) laid the groundwork for a huge total.

While Hardik hit five sixes and four boundaries on a superb batting strip, Sanju Samson (51 off 41 balls) made a strong case for being selected as a backup middle-order batsman.

The West Indies were bowled out for 151 in only 35.3 overs, and Mukesh Kumar’s three-wicket burst with some excellent seam bowling in the first powerplay put an end to their aspirations of a chase that was always out of the question.

“The ball was doing a bit,” Hardik stated in reference to the India seamers. Batters will pursue a few balls when you are trying to score 350 runs, and that is what happened to us. Shubman made a few excellent catches as well.

However, the game was finished during the powerplay itself. “Obviously, West Indies woke up somewhat late with that partnership and took the game to the 34th over.”