'Losing is good sometimes…': Hardik Pandya says 'one series doesn't matter' after India's shock T20I series defeat vs WI
Hardik Pandya's winning run as the Men in Blue's T20I captain in the bilateral series came to an end on Sunday. The great all-rounder lost his maiden T20I series as skipper after the West Indies, led by Romario Shepherd, outplayed India in the fifth match at the Central Broward Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground.
Ending India's comeback in Florida, hosts West Indies won the five-match series 3-2 with an eight-wicket victory over India.
Hardik's Team India had won back-to-back matches against the West Indies in the series. However, the Indian batsmen' batting disaster class allowed the West Indies to foil India's ambition for a come-from-behind series win.
Pandya's decision to bat first on a slow track backfired, as India finished the 20-over match with a below-par score.
"As you can see, we lost that period after 10 overs." "I wasn't able to capitalise when I came in, and I took my time and couldn't finish," said Pandya, who hit 14 off 18 balls in the T20I series decider. In the series finale, the Indian middle order too struggled to score runs.
"I believe that we must challenge ourselves as a group." All of these games are games in which we must learn.
We have agreed as a group to take the difficult route whenever possible. In retrospect, one series here or there doesn't matter, but commitment to the goal is essential."
'Sometimes losing is good'
Suryakumar Yadav smashed a magnificent half-century to lead India's comeback against the West Indies in the series decider, while Tilak Varma hit 27 off 18 balls. Suryakumar's quick-fire 61 off 45 balls propelled India to a 20-over total of 165/9.
"It's a lengthy journey. The One-Day International World Cup is almost approaching. And sometimes losing is beneficial. You will learn a lot. And special mention should be made of all the boys.
They were full of personality. Winning and losing are both part of the process, and we will make sure to learn from both," Pandya added.
'Every youngster coming through has belief'
In response, Brandon King hit a match-winning 85 as the West Indies defeated India by 8 wickets in the 5th T20I. The West Indies reached their target with two overs to spare thanks to King's magnificent unbeaten 85 and Pooran's outstanding 47.
Pandya's bowling decisions in the just finished T20I series were also questioned by his detractors. In the fifth T20I, the great all-rounder went wicketless, while the pacer didn't even bowl his full quota of overs.
"It's how I feel right now; I don't have many plans." "If I see a situation, I go with my gut instinct," Pandya added. The Indian all-rounder will miss the forthcoming T20I series against Ireland. In his absence, paceman Jasprit Bumrah will captain India's second-string squad in his homecoming series.
"They have heart." That is really significant in international cricket. Every youngster that comes through has faith. That is something I see quite frequently these days.
Congratulations to them for coming forward and accepting responsibility. "I couldn't be happier as a captain," Pandya said.