NEW DELHI: Hardik Pandya credited India’s emphatic 3-0 T20I series victory over Bangladesh to the “freedom” and positive environment provided by skipper Suryakumar Yadav and head coach Gautam Gambhir. Following India’s massive 133-run win in the final match at the Rajiv Gandhi International StadiumPandya spoke about the impact of the leadership on the team’s performance.
“The kind of freedom the skipper and the coach have given, that has been fantastic to the whole group.That is coming to all the players who are playing,” Pandya said during the post-match interaction. He highlighted the importance of enjoying the game and the supportive atmosphere in the dressing room as crucial factors in the team’s success.
India’s record-breaking total of 297/6 was powered by Sanju Samson’s maiden T20I century, a blistering 111 off just 47 balls. In response, Bangladesh could only manage 164/7, as India sealed a comprehensive victory and swept the series 3-0. Samson’s explosive innings earned him the Player of the Match award.Hardik Pandya, who was named Player of the Series, delivered crucial performances throughout the series. In Hyderabad, he smashed 47 off 18 balls, including four sixes and four fours, while forming a 70-run partnership in just 4.1 overs with Riyan Parag, 34 off 13 balls, propelling India to their highest-ever T20I score. He also played crucial innings in the earlier matches – scoring 32 off 19 balls in Delhi and an unbeaten 39 off 16 balls in Gwalior.
Elaborating on his success and consistency, Pandya expressed gratitude for the team environment, saying, “At the end of the day, this sport, if you can enjoy, that’s the best way you can get maximum out of yourself. When the dressing room is enjoying, when everyone’s enjoying everyone’s success, you feel like doing more. I think that has contributed a lot.”
Reflecting on his physical and mental condition, Pandya added, “Body has been fantastic, God has been kind to help me out. The process continues, nothing changes.”
Pandya’s sentiments were echoed in the team’s all-around performance, showcasing a united and free-spirited approach that led to their dominant series win against Bangladesh.
