Hardik Pandya, India’s stand-in captain, expressed his disapproval of the West Indies Cricket Board’s neglect of fundamental requirements such as travel arrangements and luggage issues during their tour. He expressed hope that the board would improve the travel arrangements and ensure a smoother experience for the team in the future. Pandya emphasized that they don’t expect luxurious treatment but rather basic necessities to be taken care of.
“This was one of the nicest grounds we have played. Things can be better when we come to West Indies next time. Things like travel, hopefully the West Indies Cricket board can take note and ensure that there are no hiccups. We don’t ask for luxury but we need some basic necessities taken care of,” Hardik Pandya said during the post-match presentation.
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The Indian cricket team had earlier conveyed their dissatisfaction to the BCCI following a nearly four-hour delay in their late-night flight from Trinidad to Barbados. This delay resulted in them being sleep-deprived ahead of the ODI series opener. The senior players made a specific request to the BCCI, asking them to avoid scheduling late-night flights when there is minimal time between matches.
Coming to the match, in an impressive display of bowling by Mukesh Kumar and Shardul Thakur, India secured a 2-1 series win against West Indies, dominating the third ODI with a massive 200-run win at Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba. Mukesh claimed three wickets for 30 runs, while Thakur was exceptional with four wickets for 37 runs. Kuldeep Yadav and Jaydev Unadkat also contributed to the bowling effort, taking two and one wicket respectively.
Windies struggled in their chase of India’s imposing total of 352, losing their first wicket early as Mukesh Kumar dismissed Brandon King for a duck in the very first over. Although Gudakesh Motie and Alzarri Joseph showed some resistance with a 50-run partnership for the 9th wicket, Thakur’s aggressive bowling eventually broke their partnership. India sealed the victory by bundling out West Indies in just 35.3 overs.
India’s win in the third ODI was largely due to a splendid opening partnership of 143 runs between Ishan Kishan and Shubman Gill, followed by powerful contributions from Sanju Samson and stand-in captain Hardik Pandya. The team posted a formidable total of 351/5. Gill top-scored for India with a brilliant 85 off 92 balls, while Kishan showcased a fine display with 77 runs to his name.
Hardik Pandya played a fiery, unbeaten knock of 70 runs off 52 deliveries, while Sanju Samson also made a valuable contribution with 51 runs off 41 balls. West Indies bowler Romario Shepherd managed to pick up two wickets, but India’s strong batting performance remained unrivaled.
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