ENG vs IND: The Series Was An Ideal Chance For Us To Step Up And Show What We Have - Hardik Pandya
Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya was pleased with his and the team’s performances in the white-ball series against England. He played a pivotal role in India securing both the ODI and T20I series by a 2-1 margin.
Hardik took home the Player of the Series award after another fabulous outing in the third and final ODI on Sunday. He ended with career-best figures of 4/24 before scoring 71 and being involved in a crucial 133-run partnership with Rishabh Pant to help chase 260 down.
“White ball is something very close to me. I cherish my white-ball game. We all know England are such a good team. For us it was important to check ourselves out with our plans and the World Cup ahead. Was an ideal chance for us to step up and show what we have.”
“It was important for me to come in and stop the runs and bowl as many dots. We took two wickets early but they recovered well and were cruising. I love short balls. I don’t fancy people taking me on, it always gets me into the game. I don’t mind getting hit for six sixes as long as I take wickets,” Hardik said after receiving the Player of the Series award.
Speaking about the rivalry with Liam Livingstone, Hardik said they’re good friends off the field and enjoy their battle. As for Pant’s stunning knock, the all-rounder showered praise on the 24-year-old.
“We (Livingstone) are good pals but at the end of the day, that’s his game. He takes his chances. (Pant) We know his talent. Today he played the situation. Our partnership changed the game and the way he finished the game was special,” Hardik also added.
Final scores of India vs England, 3rd ODI:
England – 259 all-out in 45.5 overs
India – 261/ 5 in 42.1 overs
