Parthiv Patel, the former Indian batsman, shared his views on Hardik Pandya’s captaincy. Talking about Hardik Pandya captaincy, Patel mentioned that Hardik needs more support more Indian Head Coach Rahul Dravid like he used to get from Ashish Nehra while captaining Gujarat Titans in the IPL.
There has been quite a bit of criticism aimed at the Indian team and its support staff after the West Indies managed to secure a 2-0 lead in the ongoing five-match T20I series. Following their victory in the first T20I by a narrow four-run margin, Rovman Powell’s team extended their lead by clinching a tense two-wicket win in the second match in Guyana. This places them in a promising position to achieve an uncommon T20I series victory.
Parthiv Patel has expressed his thoughts following India’s loss in the second T20I. He mentioned that Hardik Pandya is indeed a capable captain, but he requires solid backing from the head coach. Patel drew attention to the kind of support that the all-rounder receives from Ashish Nehra at Gujarat Titans. However, Patel noted that in comparison, India’s head coach Rahul Dravid has not been as actively involved as a coach. This lack of proactive assistance from Dravid has, according to the wicketkeeper-batter, negatively impacted Hardik’s leadership efforts and consequently, the team’s overall progress.
“Hardik Pandya has been brilliant as a captain for GT, but over there he had support from Ashish Nehra as well. Is Rahul Dravid the proactive person or coach, which we are looking for in the T20 format? In my opinion, I don’t think so. We need someone who is proactive, Hardik Pandya has that spark, but he needs that support and Rahul Dravid does not provide that for him,” Parthiv said on Cricbuzz.
Parthiv Patel reveals the reason behind India’s loss in the second T20I
Yuzvendra Chahal made a crucial impact during the 16th over of West Indies’ pursuit of 153 runs. The standout leg-spin bowler gave away just two runs and secured a pair of wickets, significantly shifting the momentum in favor of the visiting team. His deliveries twisted and turned, perplexing the West Indies batsmen who struggled to predict his moves.
As the home team required 24 runs from the remaining 24 balls with only two wickets in hand, cricket fans anticipated that Hardik would deploy Chahal to bowl during the 18th over. This strategic move would aim to dismiss the last two West Indies batsmen swiftly. Surprisingly, Hardik handed over the ball to Mukesh instead of Chahal to bowl, and unfortunately, the West Indies team concluded the match during the 19th over. Parthiv emphasized that the decision to not have Chahal bowl in the 18th overturned the game around.
“Hardik Pandya’s decision to not give Chahal the 18th over was the turning point in the match. He bowled really well in the 16th over, but he did not finish his quota of four overs. So, for me, that was something that turned the game in favour of the West Indies,” Parthiv concluded.
