A lot of Indian fans were surprised to see Axar Patel bowling the final over against Sri Lanka at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. A lot of people thought Hardik Pandya is sustaining an injury, but he came up with the answers to all the buzzing questions after the opening T20I of the three-match series on Tuesday. In the absence of seasoned campaigners Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul, Pandya-led India outclassed Asia Cup holders Sri Lanka by 2 runs at the Wankhede Stadium.
India’s stand-in skipper, Pandya opened the bowling attack for the hosts while youngster Shivam Mavi emerged as the pick of the bowlers in the recently concluded match. Pandya, who didn’t complete his quota of overs, entrusted spinner Axar with the task of getting India over the finish line in the final-over thriller. Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Pandya revealed the reason behind giving the ball to Axar in the final over of the innings.
WATCH – Maheesh Theekshana Subjugates Hardik Pandya With A Fiery Yorker
Explaining the same, Hardik Pandya said, “We might lose a game here and there but it’s alright. I want to put this team in difficult situations because it will help us in big games. Bilaterals we are very good at and this is how we are going to challenge ourselves. To be honest, all the young guns got us out of the situation today.”
Axar Patel managed to defend 13 runs in the final over as Pandya-led India defeated Sri Lanka by 2 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series.
Surprised to see Axar bowling the final over? Here's Captain @hardikpandya7 revealing the reason behind the move. #INDvSL #TeamIndia @mastercardindia pic.twitter.com/dewHMr93Yi
— BCCI (@BCCI) January 3, 2023
All-rounder Axar (31*) also remained unbeaten with middle-order batter Deepak Hooda (41*) as the Indian duo guided the hosts to a match-winning total of 162-5 in the 20-over contest. Reflecting on India’s performance in the series opener, stand-in skipper Pandya save special praise for Mavi, who made his international debut at the Wankhede and scalped 4 wickets in his spell.
WATCH – Netizens Divided Over Simon Harmer Taking The Catch Of Marnus Labuschagne
Haridk Pandya said, “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. I just told him to simply bowl. I told him, ‘I am backing you. Even if you get hit, it’s fine.’ If the same situation is there, I will take the new ball.”
