By India Blooms News Service Aug 14, 2023
Indias T20 skipper Hardik Pandya refrained from passing the buck to his teammates after Indias defeat in the fifth match as well as the series against West Indies in the shortest format of the game.
After the series was squared, West Indies edged past India in the fifth match to win the series 3-2.
Speaking at the post-match presentation, Hardik was candid about his approach which he thinks proved costly for Team India.
He said, We lost the momentum when I came in and couldnt capitalize on the situation. I believe we are gonna challenge ourselves. We try to get better. In hindsight, it is fine. We dont need to explain much. I know how the boys are within the group. We have enough time to figure it out. Losing is good at times.
If you see, we lost that period after 10 overs. Since when I came, I wasnt able to capitalise and I took my time and could not finish, the skipper added.
Match Summary
Brandon Kings magnificent 85 not out steered West Indies to a 3-2 series win in the 5-match rubber at Lauderhills Central Broward Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground here on Sunday.
The hosts beat India by 8 wickets by chasing a 166 runs target after ending at 171/2 with 2 overs to spare in the fifth T20I.
After getting a royal whack on Saturday, Windies returned the favour and won an exciting 3-2 series. King and Nicholos Pooran (47) took the sting out of Indian bowlers, thanks to intermittent rains that helped the wicket tilt in batsmens favour on an otherwise sluggish pitch.
Shai Hope (22*) then came in and provided the finishing touches, but King stayed till the end for his outstanding knock. He belted Yuzvendra Chahal for 4 sixes and neutralised Kuldeep Yadav by sensible batting, keeping India under the pump after having scored only 165.
Nevertheless, only Kuldeep looked like getting wickets.
Apart from the rain factor, Poorans promotion to No.3 altered Hardik Pandyas plans which did not work as the left-hander kicked off to a flier. He made India realise they were 8 runs short throughout the game.
Earlier, on the back of a classy Suryakumar Yadavs knock India huffed and puffed to 165.