IND vs SL: India T20 reboot – India thrashed Sri Lanka in the final T20I and clinched the three-match series on Saturday. The series witnessed high-voltage contests, the excitement reached its peak in every match with India winning the series 2-1. Team India defeated Sri Lanka in the third game by a huge margin of 91 runs. ]It has been a solid performance from India, with the likes of Axar Patel and Umran Malik stepping up for the hosts. In this article, we take a look at 5 major takeaways for the Men in Blue during IND vs SL T20 series. Follow India vs SriLanka LIVE Updates with InsideSport.IN.
IND vs SL: India T20 Reboot Begins, New Captain Hardik Pandya shines with YOUNG BRIGADE, Check 5 Highlights of IND vs SL T20 Series, Check OUT
Indian skipper Hardik Pandya led by example and showed character as a leader in the T20I series. Apart from his batting antics, Pandya took the challenge to bowl with the new ball and was quite economical. The star all-rounder also kept his cool in the tense moments and it looks like that the Men in Blue are setting a right template from themselves in the 20-over format.
1. Axar Patel
The performance of Axar Patel was surely a huge positive for the Men in Blue. The left-arm spinner persisted despite the presence of Washington Sundar and he delivered in some style. Two back-to-back career-best batting efforts, followed by a breezy cameo in the third. He also chipped in with wickets regularly to present his overall value. Axar added a lot of balance to the side and rightfully picked up the player of the series award for the same.
2. Umran Malik
Umran Malik remains central to India’s plans and the IND vs SL showed why. Given a run in all three games, Umran impressed with his pace and accuracy keeping the visiting batsmen at bay. He was economical in Mumbai and Rajkot become a force in the middle overs. He was expensive in Pune but bagged three wickets. Umran finished as the leading wicket-taker in the series, adding another feather to his cap.
3. Hardik Pandya’s leadership
In his so far young tenure, Hardik Pandya has impressed with his leadership. He is yet to be officially named as full-time T20 captain, but the 28-year-old has behaved and acted as one. The 28-year-old has roped in fresh blood and there is an intent to India’s approach. Hardik is unafraid to break the norm and make difficult choices, resulting in yet another series win under his name.
My motto in life as captain has been that I’ll back my players. These are the best T20 cricketers in India and that’s why they are here,” an elated skipper said after clinching the series.
4. Fielding
India’s fielding had taken a hit in recent weeks but Hardik Pandya has restored the standards during the IND vs SL series. The likes of Rahul Tripathi, Axar Patel, Suryakumar Yadav, and Shubman Gill all were immaculate on the boundary-taking catches. The ground fielding was also top-notch giving the hosts an edge in the series. Ishan Kishan was also impressive with his glovework behind the stumps.
5. Finishing
India has lacked a good finisher which saw Dinesh Karthik make a comeback last year. Now with DK gone, Deepak Hooda and Axar Patel have held their hand up for the role. Hooda is nearly striking at 150 and scored a fine 41 not out in Mumbai. While he did not get many runs in Pune and Rajkot, there were glimpses of his potential at the role. Axar Patel mea while just excelled at No.7 throughout the series.
IND vs SL: India T20 Reboot Begins, New Captain Hardik Pandya shines with YOUNG BRIGADE, Check 5 Highlights of IND vs SL T20 Series, Check OUT
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