IND vs SL 2023: I want to put this team in difficult situations – Hardik Pandya on giving final over to Axar Patel

India’s stand-in captain Hardik Pandya has revealed he wants to put his team in difficult situations, which will help them in their long-term goals. Pandya stated the team’s track record is good in bilateral series and they must prepare themselves for the big matches of the World Cup.

Sri Lanka required 13 runs in the final over to chase down 162 runs at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on Tuesday and Pandya decided to throw the ball to Axar Patel. The left-arm orthodox spinner was able to defend it despite conceding a six on the third ball of the over.

Pandya could have bowled himself, but he was suffering from cramps and wanted Axar Patel to take the onus on his shoulders.

Thus, India drew first blood in the three-match series as they won by two runs after coming up with a collective show. Deepak Hooda smashed 41 runs from 23 balls whereas Shivam Mavi had an excellent debut as the speedster scalped four wickets in his quota of four overs.

India found themselves in a tricky situation at 77-4 but Hooda and Axar Patel were able to get their team past the 160-run mark as they added 85 runs off 57 balls. On the other hand, Indian bowlers kept taking wickets at regular intervals to push the tourists on the back foot.

Hardik Pandya said in the post-match presentation, “Now, yes definitely (getting used to being called captain). It is just cramps. Now I have a tendency to scare people but if I am smiling then everything is fine. I did not sleep well and did not drink enough water and hence my glutes were stiff. I want to put this team in difficult situations because it will help us in big games (on Axar bowling the last over). Bilaterals we are very good at and this is how we are going to challenge ourselves.”

He added, “To be honest, all the young guns got us out of the situation today. The conversation was very simple, I have seen him (Mavi) bowl well in the IPL and I know what are his strengths, just back yourself and don’t worry about getting hit. If the same situation is there then yes, I have worked on my swing bowling and I have worked on that (inswinger), I am bowling in nets and I like bowling with the new ball.”

India will look to continue the winning impetus in the second T20I, which will be played at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune on Thursday.