The last match of the three-match T20 series between India and New Zealand was played in Napier. In this rain-interrupted match, the Kiwi team scored 160 runs while batting first. In response, Team India scored 75 runs losing four wickets. After this rain came and further match could not be played. Under the Duckworth-Lewis rule, both the teams had equal scores and the match ended in a tie. Usually there is a provision of super over when the match is tied, but due to rain it was not possible to play further match. In such a situation, this match ended on a tie. India won the second match of the series by 65 runs and the first match could not be played due to rain. In such a situation, India won the series by a margin of 1-0.
Sanju Samson and Umran Malik did not get a chance to play for India in this series. Despite continuous failures, Rishabh Pant got a chance to play in both the matches. In such a situation, the Indian team was trolled fiercely. When Captain Hardik was questioned on this matter, he clearly said that if any player is unhappy about not getting a chance, he can talk to him.
Hardik was given the captaincy of the Indian T20 team for the second time. Earlier, he had led India to a 2-0 win against Ireland. Veterans like Sunil Gavaskar and Ravi Shastri have advocated making Hardik Pandya the regular captain of the T20 team, but Hardik said that if you like it, you can talk about it, but until there is no official announcement. Till then nothing can be said.
Hardik further said “To be honest, my approach is very clear. If I captain a match or a series, I will lead the team in my own way, the way I look at the match. Whenever I get a chance , I will always play my brand of cricket.As a team, we will play cricket in our own way.
As a unit, we will represent our brand. Whatever comes in future, we will accept it., Hardik said
On not giving chance to explosive batsmen Sanju Samson and Umran Malik, he said, “If it was a big series and there were no three matches, we could have given them a chance. But I do not believe in much change in short series and that will be my principle going forward.” . It is not difficult to handle a situation where players feel safe. I share cordial relations with all players and those players whom I am unable to select, nothing personal and even they know it I haven’t been able to pick him because of the team combination.”
Hardik said, “I am a person who works in the interest of my teammates and if anyone feels, my doors are always open to talk. I understand their feelings. Sanju Samson’s case is unfortunate. We need to give him a chance.” But he had to sit out because of the strategy. I can understand that he is constantly on the bench for India. It is difficult. I talk to him, it’s no consolation for not playing, but at the same time Maintaining a healthy environment is essential.”
Pandya further said “If the players are feeling bad, they can come and talk to me or the coach. If I continue as the captain, I don’t think it will be an issue. My behavior and temperament is for sure. shows that we are close to each other.”
Hardik wanted to see the sixth bowling option Pandya did not bowl in the series against New Zealand and there was a specific purpose behind it. They wanted to find India’s sixth bowling option and Deepak Hooda lived up to the role, taking 4/10 in the second T20.
To this Hardik said “I did what the team required on this tour. I wanted my sixth bowling option to be fair and in this series and we have Deepak. If I bowled they would not have got a chance. Bowling strong Today we played with only five batsmen and my aim was to make sure that every batsman takes that extra responsibility.
He said, “When you know there is a batsman after you, and you can attack, then you get a different kind of confidence. The same applies to the bowlers. Siraj did exactly what I asked him to do on this pitch. But wanted to. In T20 you can get hit. You will have good and bad days. But if you play defensively and get hit then it will be wrong. So what is the maximum that will happen. You will lose, give 200 runs. But second On the other hand, if you keep attacking, you will have days like today.” He said there is plenty of time to give Sanju Samson and Umran Malik more opportunities.