India’s stand-in skipper, Hardik Pandya has revealed the reason behind, the opener, Ruturaj Gaikwad didn’t come out to bat for India in the first T20I against Ireland, saying that the latter had a niggle in his calf and the player’s well-being was more important. India secured a comfortable seven-wicket win over Ireland in the rain-affected game on Sunday. Set a target of 109 to win in 12 overs, the visitors chased down the total with 16 balls to spare.
An interesting thing in the innings was not seeing Gaikwad come in to bat, as Deepak Hooda came out to open alongside Ishan Kishan. Hooda went on to score a match-winning knock of 47 from 29 balls. Pandya has now revealed in the post-match press conference that Ruturaj had a niggle in his calf and said that he wasn’t ok with sending the Maharashtra batter to open.
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Hardik Pandya explained, “Rutu had a niggle in his calf. We had the choice of taking a risk and sending him in [to open], but I was not okay with it. A player’s well-being is more important, and [I thought] we’ll be able to manage what happens in the match. There wasn’t much of a decision to make; whatever our [batting-order] numbers were, we all went up one spot, and it wasn’t a big headache. We wanted to make sure we weren’t taking any chances with Rutu.”
The Indian captain also talked about debutant Umran Malik’s performance. Malik failed to do much, but Hardik Pandya said it is important to back the youngster and give him time.
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Hardik Pandya elaborated, “When you play for India for the first time, and the journey he has taken, it’s important to give such a bowler and such a talent time. For him, just to play for India is itself a very big thing, and that is something which I’m very happy for, [irrespective] of how the result went, good or bad, it’s okay. I want to let him enjoy this moment because it doesn’t come every time. A debut happens only once.”
