Pandya didn’t bowl: The Indian captain’s decision to now go towards Hardik Pandya had bemused many people during the match.
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India captain Virat Kohli admits that they faltered in the second innings of the recently concluded India vs England ODI in Pune. Despite scoring 336/6 after being put in to bat, India rarely looked as if they would be able to defend such a score.
England’s Top Three comprising of Jason Roy (55), Jonny Bairstow (124) and Ben Stokes (99) played quickfire innings to the extent despite each one of them getting out, England comfortably sealed the chase in the 44th over.
“We did falter a bit at times but mostly, that was some of the best hitting that you’ll ever see. We never had a chance during their [Bairstow-Stokes] partnership, that’s how good they were. Don’t think dew was much of a factor. Maybe the wicket settled a bit better but that’s no excuse,” Kohli told Star Sports during the post-match presentation ceremony.
Virat Kohli reveals why Pandya didn’t bowl in the 2nd IND vs ENG ODI
Considering how Bairstow and Stokes stitched a 175-run partnership for the second wicket off just 113 balls, Kohli and the Indian bowlers were short of answers as the English pair seemed to be enjoying an extended range hitting session.
It was perhaps the desperation to pick wickets that Kohli was seen making some strange decisions on the field which included not bowling Hardik Pandya. With the 27-year old player fully fit now, it was beyond understanding as to why Kohli didn’t introduce him into the attack.
“We need to manage his [Hardik Pandya] body. Need to understand where we need this skill set. Did utilise him in the T20Is but in the ODIs, it’s about managing his workload. We have Test cricket in England coming up too. So it’s important for us to have him fit,” Kohli said about Hardik Pandya ruling out that he wasn’t injured tonight but that they were just being careful with his workload.
Batting at No. 3, Kohli (66) was himself part of a 121-run partnership alongside batsman Lokesh Rahul (108). Having scored his 62nd ODI half-century, the 32-year old player remained unperturbed of not scoring a century for sometime now. While Kohli has been batting exceedingly well, it’s just that him not meeting his own standards have created a ballyhoo regarding his century.
“I never played for hundreds in my life, probably why I ended up getting so many in such a short while. It’s more important for the team to win. If I get a three-figure score and the team doesn’t win, it means nothing,” Kohli added.
