ENG vs IND | 'It was really good to see them do well under pressure'- Dravid showers glowing praise on Pant, Hardik

Indian head coach Rahul Dravid was magnanimous in his praise of Rishabh Pant (125* off 113) and Hardik Pandya (71 off 55) after the duo played match-winning knocks at Old Trafford to guide their side to a 2-1 series win.

Dravid lavishes praise on the deadly duo

Dravid, who orchestrated similar heists while chasing during his playing days, said that it was 'heartening' for him to see the duo respond the way they did in a tricky situation of a series-decider.

Pant and Hardik added 133 runs for the 5th wicket, with the former smashing his maiden ODI ton to help India clinch the decider.

Speaking to the BCCI following the five-wicket win, Dravid said: "The way Hardik and Rishabh responded, was superb. It was really good to see them (do well) under pressure with the series on the line. To play an innings as Hardik did and as Rishabh did, it was pretty heartening for us." 

What transpired in the game

Chasing 260, India was reduced to 4-72 when Hardik joined Pant in the middle. With only 1 specialist batsman to follow, it was imperative on their part to construct a long partnership without taking undue risks.

This is exactly what they did. It was classical middle-overs batting from Pant and Hardik as they paid more emphasis on strike rotation and mostly played grounded shots.

Pandya played some gorgeous backfoot punches and drives during his 55-ball 71 before he eventually perished courtesy of a brilliant catch from Stokes.

However, Pant ensured he finished off in style as he celebrated his hundred by smashing David Willey for five consecutive 4s before reverse-sweeping Joe Root to seal the deal.

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