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SPORTS AUGUST 11, 2023 | The Indian Eye 43

I am not sure whether it is going to
be Ishan Kishan or Sanju Samson or
Iyer, all these names would not go to
the World Cup squad. Only two will
come. We will have to see whether
Rahul’s name will come in World
Cup squad that decision they (team
management) have to take but Ishan
Kishan has done well,” said Kaif.
Ishan was named as the ‘Player
of the Series’ against West Indies in
ODIs as he scored 184 runs in three
matches with half-centuries in all of
the games. Ishan has smashed a dou-
ble century and six fifties in 16 ODI
innings, in which he has scored 694
runs at an average of 46.26, with a
strike rate above 107.
Kaif opines that Rohit Sharma
and Shubman Gill should be In-
dia’s opening combination for the
World Cup.

“I look forward to
these kinds of games as
captain”: Pandya
fter winning the series by 2-1,
India’s stand-in skipper Har-
Adik Pandya revealed that he
likes to captain these kind of matches Shardul Thakur celebrates the dismissal of West Indies’ Shimron Hetmyer during the 3rd ODI match on Tuesday (ANI)
which have something at stake.
With Mukesh Kumar’s early
breakthroughs followed by Shardul experience with me. Once you hit 200 runs. After lauding his team for against West Indies to win the ODI
series 2-1.
their exceptional performance in the
one ball and get into rhythm things
Thakur’s clobber bowling, India are very different. The ball was do- series decider, Pandya said he hoped Shardul didn’t get the opportuni-
registered a 2-1 series win against ing just a bit. Scoring 350 was always West Indies Cricket could take note ty to showcase his form with the bat,
West Indies after winning the third crucial. When you have a total like of the lapses and ensure that basic but he marked his presence with the
ODI match by massive 200-runs that, batters chase the ball and if necessities are provided to visiting ball. He dismantled the middle order
Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba the luck is one your side, batters will teams in future. of the West Indies batting line-up by
on Wednesday. In the post-match nick it. Couple of really good catch- “This was one of the nicest taking four wickets in the last match
presentation, Pandya said, “It’s a es by Gill,” he added. grounds we have played on. Things of the series. In the post-match con-
special win. To be honest, I look “West Indies woke up very late can be better when we come to West ference, Shardul talked about the im-
forward to these kind of games as and there was that partnership that Indies next time. Things like travel... portance of his role as a batter and
a captain where there is something took it to the 34th over. The game was hopefully, the West Indies cricket on his selection in the team.
on the line. This was more than an kind of over in the powerplay itself. board can take note and ensure that “As an all-rounder who bats in
international game. We knew what This was one of the nicest grounds there are no hiccups. We don’t ask
was at stake and there would be we have played. Things can be better for luxury but we need some basic the lower order, my role also be-
a lot of disappointment if we lost. when we come to West Indies next necessities taken care of,” Pandya comes important. We’ve seen, in
The boys showed great character. time. Things like travel, hopefully said in the post-match presentation. longer chases or if you want to post
They enjoyed it as well, in pressure the West Indies cricket board can Pandya’s comments came amid a big total, you will look to accelerate
situations it’s important to enjoy it take note and ensure that there are reports that the Indian team was and lose one or two wickets here and
as well. Virat and Rohit are integral no hiccups. We don’t ask for luxury stranded at the airport for approx- there. If the No. 8 and No.9 can con-
parts of the team. But it was im- but we need some basic necessities imately four hours due to delayed tribute with someone who has batted
portant to rest them so that people taken care of. [On Rohit’s part in the flights. deep, that role is really important,”
like Ruturaj Gaikwad could get a series win] Rohit can have the full During his post-match interview, Thakur said.
chance. It was about giving opportu- (trophy),” Pandya further said. Pandya disclosed that he interacted “Whenever I get an opportunity,
nities to youngsters.” with Virat Kohli before the match I just try and contribute towards the
Pandya also disclosed that he Pandya slams team’s success. That’s my thought
interacted with Virat Kohli before West Indies Cricket and the latter advised him to spend process - whether it’s in batting,
some time at the crease to end his
the match and Virat advised him to lean phase with the willow. bowling or fielding. I’m not the kind
spend some time in the crease. ndia’s stand-in skipper Hardik of player who plays for his place in
“I took it deep intentionally, Pandya slammed West Indies I just try and contribute to the team. If I play with that thought,
wanted to have some time out in the ICricket for the conduct of the team’s success: Shardul I don’t think I’ll be able to play,”
middle. Had a great chat with Virat ongoing tour after India clinched the Thakur added.
before the game, he wanted me to ODI series 2-1 on Wednesday. ndia all-rounder Shardul Thak- With the World Cup 2023 ap-
spend some time out in the middle After a shock defeat in the sec- ur talked about his role in the proaching and India’s bowling com-
and get used to the 50-over format. ond ODI, India made a strong come- Ibatting set-up after team India bination still unclear, Thakur is ready
Really thankful for him to share that back to thump the Caribbeans by clinched a mammoth 200-run victory to play his role.

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