As India hammered New Zealand by 168 runs in the third T20I to win the series 2-1, Shubman Gill wowed with an undefeated century. India reached 234/4 in 20 overs thanks to Gill, who hit an unbeaten 126 off only 63 balls to become just the fifth Indian batsman to score a century in all three formats. In response, Hardik Pandya of India took four wickets as the Kiwis were knocked out for a meager total of 66. Pandya, who also contributed a cameo of 30 runs off 17 balls, admitted that he had to adjust his style to fit the needs of the squad after the game.
“I’ve always enjoyed hitting sixes. But that’s life, I’ve to evolve. I’ve believed in partnerships and I want to give my batting partner and my team some assurance and calmness that I’m there. I’ve played more games than any of these guys, and I’ve learned how to accept and swallow pressure and make sure everything is calm. Maybe I have to get my strike rate down for that. Taking on new roles is always something I look forward to. I want to take the new ball role too because I don’t want anyone to come and take that difficult role. If they’re under pressure, then we are chasing the game. I want to lead the front. I’ve been working on my new ball skills,” Pandya said during the post-match press conference.
Pandya also suggested that his role is similar to the one which former India captain MS Dhoni had adopted during the latter stages of his international career. “I don’t mind playing the role that somewhere down the line, Mahi used to play. At that time, I was young and hitting all around the park. But since he’s gone, all of a sudden, that responsibility is onto me. I don’t mind that. We are getting the results. It’s okay if I have to play a little slow,” he added.