IND vs WI: "When Suryakumar Yadav Takes Responsibility It Sends Message To Others" - Hardik Pandya

The Hardik Pandya-led India National Cricket Team defeated the Rovman Powell-led West Indies National Cricket Team in the third T20I of the five-match series by 7 wickets at the Providence Stadium in Guyana on Tuesday, August 08.

Winning the toss and batting first, the hosts posted a good total of 159/5 on the board. Captain Rovman Powell was the best performer in the batting department as he scored 40 runs off 19 balls. Also, openers Brandon King (42) and Kyle Mayers (25) provided their side with a good start and played a key role in reaching a good total.

Chasing the target, Indian openers Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal failed, but Suryakumar Yadav looked at his absolute best and alongside Tilak Varma smashed the bowlers all over the park.

Suryakumar smashed 83 runs off 44 balls, with 10 fours and 4 sixes, before getting out. In the end, Tilak Varma and Hardik Pandya guided India to a victory with 13 balls to spare. India have also managed to avoid the series defeat and the scoreline currently is 2-1 with the home side leading.

We spoke as a group that these three games will be exciting – Hardik Pandya

During the post-match presentation ceremony, Hardik Pandya said that the victory in the third T20I was a crucial one for his side. He said:

“Very important (to win). We spoke as a group that these three games will be exciting. Two losses or two wins does not change the long term plans. We have to show we are ready when it comes to such (must-win) games.”

Hardik Pandya further spoke about his battle with the dangerous West Indies batter Nicholas Pooran. He said:

“Nicky (Pooran) didn’t come out to bat and that allowed us to keep our pacers back, also allowed Axar to bowl his four overs. If Nicky wants to hit, let him hit me and that was the plan, I enjoy such competition. I know he is going to hear this and will come hard at me in the fourth T20I.”

Hardik Pandya added that there is no need for a player at the No.8 position who can bat if the top-order batsmen take responsibility to score runs. Hardik Pandya signed off by praising the duo of Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma for their match-winning performances. He elaborated:

“As a group we have decided to bat with seven batters and we have to take responsibility, like it happened today if the batters score runs then you don’t need someone at number eight. As Surya mentioned, they (SKY and Tilak) play together and spend time together, good to have someone like SKY in the team and when he takes responsibility it sends a message to the others.”