IND vs ENG: Hardik Pandya Reveals What Went Through His Mind After He Conceded 22 Runs In His First Over

The third and final T20I against England started on the worst possible manner for Hardik Pandya. With Jason Roy and Jos Buttler going great guns, Virat Kohli put the responsibility on Pandya to bowl the final over of the powerplay.

However, Pandya failed to justify the decision. Roy hit him for 2 fours and as many sixes as the India allrounder conceded 22 runs off his first over. The start, however, was not an indication of how things were going to pan out for Pandya in the remainder of the game. He made a strong comeback to star in India’s series-winning triumph.

In his remaining three overs, he conceded just 16 and picked up four wickets. At 118 for 2 after 11, England were looking set to post well in excess of 200. However, Pandya dismissed Eoin Morgan, Alex Hales, Ben Stokes and Jonny Bairstow to stall England’s charge. England eventually posted 198 for 8.

With the bat, Pandya played the perfect finisher’s role. When he came to the crease, India needed 44 off the last four. And he took the onus on himself to do the hitting. He scored an unbeaten 33 off just 14 balls as he finished the game in style by lofting Chris Jordan for a maximum.

Speaking after the game, he said he makes sure to learn from his mistakes.

“I am always learning the game and making sure I am always learning from my mistakes in every game I play in,” he told reporters at Bristol.

“We have a fantastic supporting staff and leaders who give us immense confidence to go and express ourselves.

“We are just enjoying the game rather than thinking about what has got to happen. We are just playing our best cricket and when you do that you end up doing well.

He also spoke on his thought process after conceding 22 runs in his first over.

“When I went for 22 in an over I thought the T20 is a funny format and the only thing to do was to come back and bowl my best balls. Virat Kohli (captain) asked me and I told him I was okay – if you come and take wickets on this type of wicket and ground it will stop the runs. I just had to make sure I kept it simple,” he added.