IND vs WI: "Losing Is Good At Times" - Hardik Pandya After India Lose 1st Series Against West Indies In 17 Years

India National Cricket Team led by Hardik Pandya lost by 8 wickets against Rovman Powell-led West Indies National Cricket Team in the series-deciding fifth T20I match at the Central Broward Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground, Lauderhill on Sunday, August 13.

India won the toss and opted to bat first in the match. The openers once again failed to provide their side with a good start and Suryakumar Yadav alongside Tilak Varma emerged as the saviors.

Suryakumar Yadav looked a class apart and hit a fantastic half-century. Tilak Varma didn’t play a big knock, but he chipped with crucial 27 runs at a strike rate of 150. Hardik Pandya, Sanju Samson, and Axar Patel contributed 14, 13, and 13 runs as India posted 165/9 on the board.

Chasing the target, West Indies lost Kyle Mayers in the second over itself, but Brandon King and Nicholas Pooran batted exceptionally and stitched together 107 runs in 72 balls. After a long delay in the match due to lightning, Tilak Varma cleaned up Nicholas Pooran on his second delivery in international cricket.

In the end, Brandon King remained unbeaten and he alongside Shai Hope led the West Indies towards an 8-wicket victory. With the win, the Men In Maroon achieved an incredible series win over the Men In Blue.

We lost the momentum when I came in – Hardik Pandya

Speaking during the post-match presentation ceremony, Hardik Pandya said that India lost momentum when he came to bat and admitted that he couldn’t capitalize on the situation. 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.”

After losing the first bilateral series against West Indies in 17 years, Hardik Pandya said that losing is good at times and they have learned a lot in the series. Hardik Pandya said:

“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. On the positive side, we have done a lot of learnings. The boys showed character. Credit to them. They kept coming and tried something new. It is part of the process”

When asked about his bowling changes, Hardik Pandya said that he just goes with the flow and makes changes as it comes to his mind. Hardik Pandya also thanked fans for coming to the stadium to watch them play. Hardik Pandya said:

“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 WC would be here. There would be bigger numbers then.”