Hardik Pandya believes win a cornerstone for future knockout games
Hardik Pandya plays a shot against NZ (BCCI)
Hardik Pandya played a supporting role to Shubman Gill’s hulking 126-run knock that powered India to a monumental 234-4. The ‘Men in Blue’ skipper later returned to remove four New Zealand batters, thus dusting them out for a meagre 66 in the run-chase.
For his all-round mavericks throughout the T20Is, the cricketer was adjudged as ‘Player of the Series’. After the deciding match, Pandya revealed how he reads the match situation and talked about team’s mindset in the knockout games.
Hardik Pandya says he takes ownership of his decisions
Star Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya claimed that he likes taking ownership of his captaincy decisions and he tries to keep things simple. The interim skipper also added that he tries to read the game’s situation and credited the entire support staff for his ‘Player of the Series’ award. He said:
“I mean, I don't mind it. My Player of the series goes to the whole support staff and the team. Not, to be honest. I have always tried to read the situation and play on the spot and had to evolve as a player. So, I try to keep it simple and go with my gut feelings. I like to take ownership of my decisions,”
Pandya also hoped that India’s big win over New Zealand in the deciding T20I lays a foundation for team’s future knockout matches. The ‘Men in Blue’ has not had much luck in ICC events since 2013, especially in the knockout stages of those tournaments. He said:
“I mean we have spoken about taking the challenge and challenging ourselves. We want to come out punching in the deciding games. Hopefully, we can come out of this well and do well in the knockout games in the future. I am a firm believer and believe in myself.”
Also Read: Shubman Gill brings up his maiden T20I century against New Zealand
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