First Published Jan 4, 2023, 10:06 AM IST
IND vs SL 2022-23: India edged past Sri Lanka by two runs in the opening Mumbai T20I on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Hardik Pandya was not concerned by his side putting itself in a close-shave situation and hailed the young guns for pulling it off.
Image credit: PTI
Going ahead, India’s new Twenty20 International (T20I) captain Hardik Pandya is eager to see how his team tackles difficult situations as he seeks to mould it into an outfit capable of ending the country’s barren run in world events. Under Hardik’s leadership, India began the three-match T20I series against neighbours Sri Lanka on a winning note, prevailing over the islanders by two runs at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Tuesday. Hardik had to leave the field for a brief while after taking a catch.
Image credit: PTI
Image credit: PTI
“We might lose a game here and there, but it’s alright. I want to put this team in difficult situations because it will help us in big games. We are very good at the bilaterals, which is how we will challenge ourselves. All the young guns got us out of the situation today,” added Pandya.
Image credit: PTI
One of the youngsters who shone brightly on the night was debutant pacer Shivam Mavi. The skipper was praised for the fast bowler, who picked up 4/22 in his first T20I outing. “The conversation was elementary, I have seen him bowl well in the IPL [Indian Premier League], and I know his strengths. Just back yourself, and don’t worry about getting hit,” he assumed.
ALSO WATCH: BBL 2022-23 – Adam Zampa attempts ‘Mankading’ Tom Rogers, only to be turned down by TV umpire
“I just told him to bowl. I told him, ‘I am backing you. Even if you get hit, it’s fine.’ If the same situation is there, I will take the new ball. I have been bowling in the nets with the new ball since I returned to the IPL. I have learnt how to swing it back,” continued Pandya.
Image credit: PTI
Image credit: PTI
Mavi said he has been waiting six years to join the senior Indian team. “Was waiting for six years after playing U19. I had to work hard in those six years – I also got injured. For a while, it looked like my dream would remain a dream. But I kept at it. Having played the IPL, the nervousness is a little less. My idea in the powerplay is to attack and get them out. Favourite dismissal was the first one, getting him bowled,” he concluded.
(With inputs from PTI)
