Team India captain Hardik Pandya said that there is no need to panic after India suffered a defeat in the five-match T20I series against West Indies. However, the Indian side faced an eight-wicket loss in the deciding fifth T20I at the Central Broward Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground in Lauderhill, Florida, on Sunday, August 13 as well. And, West Indies successfully chased down the 166-run target with eight wickets in hand to seal the series as well.
Speaking at the post-match presentation, Hardik Pandya said: “We lost the momentum when I came in and couldn’t capitalize on the situation. I believe we gonna challenge ourselves. We try to get better. In hindsight, it is fine. We don’t need to explain much. I know how the boys are within the group. We have enough time to figure out. Losing is good at times.”
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However, India won the toss and elected to bat first in the fifth T20I. Suryakumar Yadav smashed a crucial half-century, scoring 61 runs off 45 balls. The other batters, however, failed to do well, and they finished at 165/9 after 20 overs. West Indies got off to a flying start and chased down the target comfortably in 18 overs, on the back of Brandon King’s incredible unbeaten knock of 85 and Nicholas Pooran’s contribution of 44 runs as well. Meanwhile, Hardik Pandya stated that the youngsters in the side did a fantastic job in the series as well.
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“They kept coming and tried something new. It is part of the process. It is what I feel at that moment. If I see a situation, I generally prefer something that comes to mind. No rocket science, just my gut feel. Every youngster who is coming in is showing character. I can’t be more happy when I see a youngster comes in and puts his hand up. A big thank you to everyone. The T20 World Cup would be here. There would be bigger numbers then,” Hardik Pandya concluded.
