We can build on T20 success: Pandya
Bristol (UK), July 9: Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya says his team’s win in the T20 international series against England is a stepping stone for the upcoming 50 over series.
Pandya played a major role in Sunday’s deciding match at Bristol with bat and ball taking 4/38 and scoring a rapid 33 not out that helped India get past England’s 198/9 total.
The 24-year-old had a nightmare start to his afternoon when he conceded 22 from his first over before bouncing back with a match-winning performance.
And Pandya says he and his side are on an upward learning curve heading into the five one-day games that kick off in Nottingham on Thursday
“I am always learning the game and making sure I am always learning from my mistakes in every game I play in,” he told reporters at Bristol.
“We have a fantastic supporting staff and leaders who give us immense confidence to go and express ourselves.
“We are just enjoying the game rather than thinking about what has got to happen. We are just playing our best cricket and when you do that you end up doing well.
“When I went for 22 in an over I thought the T20 is a funny format and the only thing to do was to come back and bowl my best balls. Virat Kohli (captain) asked me and I told him I was okay — if you come and take wickets on this type of wicket and ground it will stop the runs. I just had to make sure I kept it simple.”
England had got off to a flier, reaching 43 off four overs and 118/2 of 10 overs before being reeled in by the Indian bowlers and posting a total that was 20 or 30 runs short.
Kohli said: “The comeback from the bowlers was outstanding — I thought they would end up getting 225 or 230 which would have been tough.
“The character showed was something we are really proud of and as captain I was very happy to see that. We had to bowl wicket taking deliveries because 20 or 30 runs can be massive.”
RAHUL RISES TO CAREER-HIGH 3RD SPOT Meanwhile, in-form batsman Lokesh Rahul has jumped nine places to reach a career-high third spot in the latest ICC T20 rankings while his team has gained a place to be second in the team standings following the series win against England.
Rahul’s scores of 70, 101 not out, six and 19 have made him India’s highestranked batsman. Rohit Sharma was 11th (up by two places) ahead of captain Virat Kohli (down by four places). — Agencies