Complete performance, absolutely can't get better: Hardik Pandya

India dictated the terms convincingly at the Bay Oval as they secured a comfortable win over the hosts, thanks to a swashbuckling display from Suryakumar Yadav who smashed a blistering ton while the Indian bowlers pulled off a phenomenal job, skittling out the Kiwis for a paltry 126 to secure the bragging rights.

Hardik Pandya was involved in a very special partnership with Suryakumar Yadav as the duo piled up a staggering 82 runs for the fourth wicket, propelling India to the staggering numbers on the board. Despite himself scoring only 13 runs, he ensured that SKY could do his usual damage to the Kiwi aspirations without further hurdles at the other end.

Talking at the post-match presentation, Pandya said, “Complete performance, absolutely can't get better than this. Suryakumar put us 30 runs forward. After that the bowlers were very clinical. Being aggressive does not mean you take every ball on, it’s about body language. Looking at all those, we ticked all those boxes, especially with the water due to the rain. It was quite difficult to bowl but they stuck to their plans.”

He also shed some light on Deepak Hooda being explored as the sixth option, stating, “Sixth bowler, absolutely. I have bowled lots of times but going forward I want a number of more bowling opportunities. Not always that bowlers will have their day but if you give them game time.... it could've gone another way also. But today the sixth bowler Deepak stopped the runs and those two overs changed the game and put them under pressure. I expect them to be professional, that they are. Just give them the opportunity to give them support. People were backing each other, that's what I am looking for.”

Pandya was also asked whether Team India will be opting for a few changes to the side, now that the lead has been secured. The Indian captain said, “Don't know, we'll see the wicket. I'd love to give everyone an opportunity but we'll ask the bowlers if they need rest, we'll see at the ground.”