Want to put this team in difficult situations: Captain Pandya on Axar bowling final over against SL

IND v SL 1st T20I: India kick started the year 2023 with a two-run victory over the Asian champions Sri Lanka at the Wankhede stadium on Tuesday, January 3. With 13 runs needed off the last six balls, the equation came down to five required from three as Axar conceded a six.

Axar then bowled a dot ball before he, along with Deepak Hooda, completed a run out on the fifth ball. However, with this the dangerous looking Chamika Karunaratne came on strike. Putting immense pressure on the rooky Axar Karunaratne made the clash even more intense. Nonetheless, with four needed off the last ball, Hooda and Ishan Kishan pulled off a run out to hand India an early lead in the three-match T20I series.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Indian skipper Hardik Pandya revealed why spinner Axar Patel bowled the final over in the 1st T20I against Sri Lanka. India T20I captain Hardik Pandya said that he wanted to challenge his players. Hence, it was the reason for handing the ball to Axar Patel to bowl the final over in a tight match like yesterday.

“We might lose a game here and there but it’s alright. I want to put this team in difficult situations because it will help us in big games. Bilateral(s) we are very good at and this is how we are going to challenge ourselves. To be honest, all the young guns got us out of the situation today.”

Pandya explained.

IND v SL 1st T20I: Debutant Mavi shine with his stirring display of bowling; Skipper Pandya praise the youngster

Mavi’s success lies in his skipper’s belief after the 24-year-old pacer was given the free hand by Hardik Pandya to not think about getting hit.

“I have seen him (Mavi) bowling well in the IPL and I just told him to simply bowl. I told him, ‘I am backing you. Even if you get hit, it’s fine.”

Pandya said in the post-match presentation.

Pandya also cleared the air about his cramps he suffered during the match, saying “Now I have got used to it. It was just cramps, I am alright. it was a rough night, I was unwell and I had my fluids down. If I am smiling, everything is fine.”

Pandya revealed the reason behind his superb bowling as he produced a splendid spell of three overs in which he just conceded 12 runs.

“I have been bowling in the nets with the new ball since I returned in the IPL. I have learnt how to swing it back.”

Moreover, the new and experimental looking India will face the visitors in the second of the three matches on Thursday. Sri Lanka will be hoping to level the series to stay in the running for the trophy at the MCA Stadium in Pune.

Also read: Ind vs SL T20I: Shivan Mavi picks 4 wickets to complete dream T20I debut

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