IND vs IRE LIVE: India Tour of Ireland: Hardik Pandya has seen his stocks rise through the roof after leading Gujarat Titans to their maiden IPL 2022 title on debut. On his Indian captaincy debut, he led India to an easy 7-wicket win over Ireland. But there were key decisions that were not impressive. Follow India vs Ireland Live Updates on InsideSport.IN.
After an in-form return to India team after being dropped following T20 World Cup, Hardik was given the captaincy for Ireland tour. While he was not the designated leader, the absence of senior players made him the first choice.
However, from not backing debutant Umran Malik to failing to contain Harry Tector, some decisions did not go down well.
IND vs IRE LIVE: Hardik Pandya makes winning captaincy DEBUT but fails to impress with key decisions in rain-curtailed match: Check WHY?
IND vs IRE LIVE: How did Hardik Pandya fair as captain?
What worked for Hardik?
- Decision 1: Hardik Pandya got the first part right by winning the toss and opting to bowl on a day when rain threat loomed large.
- Decision 2: As the match started two hours and 20 minutes late, Bhuvneshwar Kumar let his ball do the talking. Within powerplay, Ireland were reduced to 22/3.
- Decision 3: Deepak Hooda was sent to open with Ishan Kishan instead of Gaikwad. Hooda did not get off to good start but finally the gamble paid off as he played a match-winning 47-run knock.
IND vs IRE LIVE: Hardik Pandya makes winning captaincy DEBUT but fails to impress with key decisions in rain-curtailed match: Check WHY?
What did not work for Hardik?
Decision 1: Hardik introduced the fast-bowling sensation, Umran Malik, in the 6th over. But debut nerves got the better of him and he was hammered for 18 runs including 4 legbyes.
However, instead of backing him on a cold day, Hardik never recalled Umran. On his debut, Hardik was smashed for 19 runs in his first over against Australia. But he returned to take two wickets in his next two overs. Perhaps, Umran needed a little more confidence from his captain. But he did not get that.
Perfect start 🇮🇳 Onto the next one 💪 pic.twitter.com/lpICmAXq22
— hardik pandya (@hardikpandya7) June 26, 2022
IND vs IRE LIVE: Hardik Pandya makes winning captaincy DEBUT but fails to impress with key decisions in rain-curtailed match: Check WHY?
Decision 2: Another decision that worked but sent a wrong message to Ruturaj Gaikwad. Hooda was sent to open and Ruturaj was held back. With Ruturaj low on confidence after a lukewarm series against South Africa, he needed the backing.
But even against a weaker opponent in Ireland, he never got to showcase his skills with T20 World Cup just four months away.
Decision 3: Not playing Sanju Samson: Sanju Samson has always been considered a game-changer. But when it comes to backing him, he has never got that in Team India, more like Manish Pandey. With T20 World Cup around the corner and preparations in full swing, the two matches against Ireland are the only opportunities for Samson.
With his game suitable for bouncy Australian conditions, he could be an important player for India. But not playing him against Ireland shows Samson is not in the plans and is only a stop-gap solution.
IND vs IRE LIVE: Hardik Pandya makes winning captaincy DEBUT but fails to impress with key decisions in rain-curtailed match: Check WHY?
Decision 3: The other decision that did not quite work out was Hardik bowling ahead of Avesh Khan. In a 12-over game, Hardik decided to bowl the second over. Although he bagged a wicket, he gave away 26 runs in two overs while a specialist bowler like Avesh was used for only two overs.
Furthermore, he came to bat at No 4, like he did for Gujarat Titans. But India still had Ruturaj Gaikwad on the bench.
IND vs IRE LIVE: Hardik Pandya makes winning captaincy DEBUT but fails to impress with key decisions in rain-curtailed match: Check WHY?
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