India registered an incredible 168-run victory over New Zealand in the series-deciding third T20I on Wednesday, creating a new record for their highest-ever victory by margin of runs in the shortest format. Shubman Gill was the star of the night with the bat. Indian captain Hardik Pandya was the pick of the bowlers with impressive figures of 4/16, and also scored 30 off 17 balls. Pandya was named Player of the Series for his contributions with both, bat and ball during the three T20Is.

Pandya is an explosive batter and a natural hitter of the ball but in recent times a big change in Pandya’s batting is his tendency to rotate the strike and not be over-explosive. In a press conference, India’s T20I captain admitted that he had to tweak his game a little. Pandya said that he believes in partnerships and he wants to give his team some assurance and calmness that he is there.

The all-rounder stated that he is taking over the role that former captain MS Dhoni used to play during the latter’s final few years with the Men in blue. Dhoni relied on rotating the strike and letting his batting partner express himself with more aggressive shots to score more runs. Pandya expressed that he does not mind playing the role that somewhere down the line, Mahi used to play.

At that time, Pandya was young and hitting all around the park. But since Dhoni has gone, all of a sudden, that responsibility is onto me. I do not mind that. We are getting the results. It is okay if I have to play a little slow, concluded Pandya.