‘Virat needs inputs from Hardik for how to win IPL’ - Fans react as Hardik Pandya credits Virat Kohli for his improvement in batting

Indian team's stand-in skipper Hardik Pandya has credited Virat Kohli for his improved batting performance in the third ODI against West Indies. Whereas the Men in Blue won the three games 50 over format series by 2-1, Indian team regular skipper Rohit Sharma was not playing in the game. Under Hardik's leadership, Team India clinched victory by 200 runs. 

Interestingly, Kohli and Rohit did not feature in the last two games for the visitors' side, as the management decided to try out new faces before the ODI World Cup 2023. Before this game, the series was tied at 1-1 as India lost the ODI match against West Indies by six wickets. It was also the Caribbean side's first win against India since December 2019. 

Really thankful for him to share that experience with me: Hardik Pandya

"I had a great chat with Virat Kohli before this decider game, he wanted me to spend some time out in the middle & get used to the 50-over format. And He helped me. Really I'm thankful for him to share that experience with me," said Pandya in the post-match presentation after the third ODI. 

Speaking of the match, the Shai Hope-led side won the toss and opted to field first, Ishan Kishan and Shubman Gill had a brilliant partnership, they together added 143 runs in under 20 overs. Kishan was dismissed for 77 runs, and after that, Ruturaj Gaikwad was also dismissed in the next three overs. Sanju Samson stood in the crease alongside Gill, they had a brilliant partnership. In the end, Hardik Pandya’s 70 runs in 52 balls helped the Indian side post 351/5 in 50 overs. 

In reply, West Indies lost the wicket in the very first over of the innings when opener Brandon King was dismissed on duck, and half of the Indies side was in the pavilion in the 12th over for 40 runs. They were dismissed for 151 in 35.3 overs by the Indian bowling line-up. In the Indian team's bowling line-up, Shardul Thakur was the pick of the bowlers with his four wickets in 6.3 overs. In this ODI, Mukesh Kumar picked up three wickets. In the end, Gill was awarded Player of the Match for his 85 runs, whereas Kishan was Player of the Series with his 184 runs in three games. 

Now under the leadership of Hardik Pandya, the team will be playing five T20I series against West Indies side, starting on August 3 at Brian Lara Stadium, Tarouba, Trinidad. Veteran batters Kohli and Sharma have been rested for the T20I series. 

Here's how the fans reacted to Hardik Pandya's comment on Virat Kohli: 

Virat needs inputs from Hardik for how to win IPL

— Lubana Warriors (@LovepreetS49) August 2, 2023

Thats why Virat Kohli is the leader of the team
Hardik FC 🤝 Kohli fc

— Jash #SACKROVID (@OnlyKingMatters) August 2, 2023

Resting Virat and Rohit are not going to help the Indian cricket team or the selectors it's going to be tough on players who played well in these series going to be dropped on the world cup squad.

— Krishna Kumar (@Krishna17118456) August 2, 2023

That's why he is the important player in the Indian dressing room

— Husain 🇰🇷 (@husain_tweets18) August 2, 2023

I hope you will play him in the T20 WC 2024

— Khush (@JalsaKaroYaar) August 2, 2023

'Virat Kohli gave me some very important pointers and it helped me a lot. I'm really thankful to him' - Hardik Pandya

Imaging you're the regular captain Rohit Sharma and Pandya doesn't take advice from you, he goes to Kohli for suggestions. Kohli is still massive 🔥 #WIvIND pic.twitter.com/Fab9OvyrBD

— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) August 2, 2023

Hardik ko bhi pata hai kon better captain hai

— Kumar Reaturaj (@reaturaj_kr4) August 2, 2023

Now call Virat credit stealer 🌚🌚

— Triyambak777 (@triyambak777) August 2, 2023

Insecurity level of Kohli

— Lubana Warriors (@LovepreetS49) August 2, 2023

Rohit be like. Hamare sath ipl me itne saal khela credit hume milna chahiye 🤣

— Ganguli Rout (@RoutGanguli) August 2, 2023