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Hardik Pandya is an essential player for the Indian cricket team, remarked Suryakumar Yadav following India’s victory in the first match of the five-match series against England in Kolkata on Wednesday. Competing at Eden Gardens, India triumphed over England by seven wickets, thanks to an outstanding performance from their bowling unit.
After the bowlers limited England to a mere 132 runs, Abhishek Sharma dominated the second innings, enabling India to successfully chase the target in just 12.5 overs. Suryakumar Yadav attributed India’s impressive bowling display to Hardik Pandya, who has contributed significantly to enhancing the variety of their attack.
On that day, Pandya claimed two wickets—first dismissing Jacob Bethell and then Jofra Archer—allowing him to surpass the wicket tallies of Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the T20I format. Hardik is now positioned as the third highest wicket-taker for India in T20Is.
In the aftermath of the match, Suryakumar praised Hardik’s courage in bowling with the new ball alongside Arshdeep Singh, noting that this strategy has enabled India to adopt a different style of play leading up to the 2024 T20 World Cup. The captain explained that with Hardik taking on the new ball, India could incorporate three spinners into their lineup, providing remarkable variety in the format.
“We aimed to adhere to our strengths, similar to our approach in South Africa. Hardik accepted the responsibility of bowling with the new ball, which allowed me the flexibility to include an additional spinner, and all three spinners performed exceptionally well,” Suryakumar Yadav stated after the match on Wednesday.
The captain also commended the team’s enthusiasm during the first T20I, particularly their efforts in saving multiple boundaries during the first innings.
“The energy we displayed from the outset after winning the toss sets a high standard. We built on that momentum. Each bowler had their specific plans, executed with great energy on the field, and the manner in which we batted was the cherry on top,” he added.
The captain expressed commendation for Arshdeep Singh, who emerged as India’s top wicket-taker in the T20I format on Wednesday. Arshdeep surpassed Yuzvendra Chahal’s record by dismissing English openers during the powerplay. His ability to swing the ball in the initial overs proved challenging for the batters, leaving them struggling in the powerplay.
“Through experience, Arshdeep is acquiring significant knowledge and embracing additional responsibilities. He recognized that he was the sole bowler capable of utilizing the new ball today, followed by Hardik. He accepted that responsibility and has been consistently doing so. Gauti bhai has granted us considerable freedom. Our aim is to adopt a different approach compared to our performance in the 2024 T20 World Cup. We have established our strategies, maintain our batting style, and are pleased with our progress. We have been diligently working with the fielding coach in every session. His sole expectation is that we exhibit high energy, seize half-chances, and make an impact, which is precisely what everyone is striving to achieve,” concluded the captain of the India T20I team.
India is set to compete in the second T20I of the series in Chennai following a two-day hiatus. The match is scheduled to occur at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on January 25, Saturday.
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