After winning the ODI series against West Indies on Tuesday, India's stand-in skipper Hardik Pandya said that he likes to captain the team in such games where something is at stake and thanked Virat Kohli for sharing his batting experience with him ahead of the match.
With the three-match series level at 1-1, India went on to hammer the Windies by 200 runs in the third ODI to clinch the series 2-1, thanks to a collective all-round effort that saw the visitors putting up a huge total of 351/5 on the board and then bowling out the hosts for just 151.
Opener Shubman Gill emerged as the top scorer for India with an impressive 85 runs off 92 balls. Ishan Kishan also played a fine innings, contributing 77 runs to the team's total off 64 balls. The two openers added 143 runs together.
Stand-in captain Hardik Pandya showcased his fiery batting with an unbeaten 70 off 52 balls, while Sanju Samson added a valuable and swift 51 off 41 balls.
Shardul Thakur then led India's bowling effort with a spell of 4/37. Mukesh Kumar was equally impressive with his 3/30, while spinner Kuldeep Yadav bagged 2/25 and Jaydav Unadkat 1/16.
Speaking at the post-match presentation ceremony, Pandya said, "It’s a special win. To be honest, I look forward to these kind of games as a captain where there is something on the line. This was more than an international game. Weknew what was at stake and there would have been a lot of disappointment if we lost.
"The boys showed great character. They enjoyed it as well. In pressure situations it’s important to enjoy."
Pandya also shared the fact that Virat Kohli advised him before the match on his batting.
"I took it deep intentionally, wanted to have some time out in the middle. Had a great chat with Virat before the game, he wanted me to spend some time out in the middle and get used to the 50-over format. Really thankful for him to share that experience with me," Pandya said.
"Once you hit one ball and get into rhythm, things are very different. The ball was doing just a bit. Scoring 350 was always crucial. When you have a total like that, batters chase the ball and if the luck is one your side, the batters will nick it. Couple of really good catches by Gill," he added.
India rested regular skipper Rohit Sharma and batting mainstay Kohli for a second consecutive game in the series.
"Virat and Rohit are integral parts of the team, but it was important to rest them so that people like Ruturaj Gaikwad could get a chance," added Pandya. "It's about giving opportunities to the youngsters."
West Indies lost three wickets in the first powerplay, as Mukesh dismissed openers Brandon King (0), Kyle Mayers (4) and Shai Hope (5) to make it 17/3 in 6.3 overs. It led to a collapse, and the hosts slipped to 88/8 by the 24th over.
"The game was kind of over in the powerplay itself," said Pandya.
1/10:India blow away West Indies in decider to seal ODI series
AFP
2/10:India beat Windies
<p>India swiftly erased the memory of a poor second match to annihilate the West Indies by 200 runs in the decisive third and final ODI at the Brian Lara Stadium on Tuesday. </p>AP
3/10:Virat Kohli
<p>Even with senior players in captain Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli still rested India' batting finally came good collectively to post a formidable 351-5 batting first. </p>AFP
4/10:West Indies 151 all out
<p>India seamers then demolished the home side's top order and a ninth-wicket partnership of 55 merely delayed the inevitable with the West Indies bundled out for 151 off 35.3 overs. </p>AFP
5/10:India vs West Indies
<p>India's margin of victory was their second largest in ODIs against the West Indies and also extended their run of bilateral series wins against the Caribbean team in the format to 13. </p>AP
6/10:India openers
<p>Openers Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan set the tone for the India innings after they were put in. </p>AFP
7/10:Ishan Kishan
<p>Man of the series Ishan Kishan belted 77 off 64 balls in an opening stand of 143, a new record for the wicket for India in ODIs in the West Indies. </p>AFP
8/10:Shubman Gill
<p>Shubman Gill hit 85 off 92 balls before falling to Gudakesh Motie who conceded 38 runs from his 10 overs. </p>AFP
9/10:Sanju Samson
<p>Sanju Samson also wasted no time in taking advantage of another rare ODI opportunity to smash 51 off 41 with four sixes. </p>AFP
10/10:Hardik Pandya
<p>Stand-in captain Hardik Pandya hoisted five sixes and four fours in an unbeaten 70 off 52 ball in this first-ever men's ODI to be played at the venue. </p>AFPPandya also urged the West Indies cricket board to ramp up "basic necessities" and address travel-related logistical issues.
"Things can be better when we come to West Indies the next time, things like travel. Hopefully the West Indies cricket board can take note and ensure that there are no hiccups. We don’t ask for luxury, but we need some basic necessities taken care of," said Pandya.
