, Team India started the three-match T20I series with a tense two-run victory over Sri Lanka in Mumbai on Tuesday (January 3).

Hardik Pandya is eager to see how his team tackles difficult situations as he seeks to mould it into an outfit capable of ending the country’s barren run in world events.

During the opening T20I, the Indian skipper also had to leave the field for a brief while after grabbing a catch.

“It is just cramps. Now I have tendency to scare people. I did not sleep well, did not drink enough water and hence the glutes were stiff. I was unwell and I had my fluids down,” Hardik said at the presentation ceremony.

With Sri Lanka needing 13 runs in the last over to overhaul India’s total of 162, the decision to give spinner Axar Patel the ball was a bit surprising.

“We might lose a game here and there but it’s alright. I want to put this team in difficult situations because it will help us in big games. Bilaterals we are very good at and this is how we are going to challenge ourselves.

“To be honest, all the young guns got us out of the situation today.” One of the youngsters who shone bright on the night was debutant pacer Shivam Mavi. The skipper was full of praise for the fast bowler, who picked up 4/22 in his first T20 outing.

“The conversation was very simple, I have seen him (Mavi) bowl well in the IPL and I know what are his strengths, just back yourself and don’t worry about getting hit.“I just told him to simply bowl. I told him, ‘I am backing you. Even if you get hit, it’s fine.’ If the same situation is there, I will take the new ball.” He added, “I have been bowling in the nets with the new ball since I returned in the IPL. I have learnt how to swing it back.” Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka said the visitors ought to have won the game.

Tags :Sri Lanka tour of India 2023Hardik PandyaShivam MaviAxar Patel