'Since Mahi's gone...' - Hardik Pandya opens up after enthralling win against NZ in 2nd T20I

'Since Mahi's gone...' - Hardik Pandya opens up after enthralling win against NZ in 2nd T20I (Image Source: Twitter)

India and New Zealand squared off in the final T20I on February 1, Wednesday and a century from Shubman Gill, a stupendous bowling effort from the Men in Blue pacers saw them winning the series after equalling the lead in the second T20I on Sunday. That being said, it was yet another series win for captain Hardik Pandya, who played a handy knock with his 17-ball 30 to push India’s total to 234. 

In return, the Kiwis were bowled out for just 66 with Pandya picking up a four-for and Shivam Mavi, Arshdeep Singh and Umran Malik picking up a two-for respectively. Post the conclusion of the match, the Indian allrounder Pandya opened up on the win and said that it was emphatic, claiming that he had to lead from the front. 

Captain Pandya highlighted the importance of him playing the lead role, both with the bat and the ball as well. The right-armer said that with MS Dhoni calling it a time, the responsibility has been upon him to lead and snatch the victory. Given that Pandya is being looked at as the future captain of team India in white-ball, it would be pivotal for the talented allrounder to get adapted to crunch situations. 

We are getting the results: Hardik Pandya

Pandya admitted to playing with a lower strike rate due to the new role, as he explained that it would be okay with him as far as the team get to win games. The fiery batter has not been at his very best, failing to contribute to the Indian batting order and the responsibility has been upon the openers of late. 

“I've always enjoyed hitting sixes. But that's life, I've to evolve. I've believed in partnerships and I want to give my batting partner and my team some assurance and calmness that I'm there. I've played more games than any of these guys, I've learnt how to accept and swallow pressure and make sure everything is calm,” Pandya was quoted as saying in the post-match press conference. 

“Maybe I have to get my strike rate down for that. Taking new roles is always that I look forward to. I want to take the new ball role too, because I don't want anyone to come and take that difficult role. If they're under pressure, then we are chasing the game. I want to lead the front. I've been working on my new ball skills,” said the Indian allrounder further. 

“I don't mind playing the role that somewhere down the line, Mahi used to play. At that time, I was young and hitting all around the park. But since he's gone, all of a sudden, that responsibility is onto me. I don't mind that. We are getting the results. It's okay if I have to play a little slow,” he added.