Under Hardik Pandya’s captaincy, Team India started the three-match T20I series with a tense two-run victory over Sri Lanka in Mumbai on Tuesday (January 3).

After the game, Hardik said he is keen to see how his team operates in difficult situations as he wants to build a unit capable of ending India’s ICC trophy drought.

During the opening T20I, the Indian skipper also had to leave the field for a brief while after grabbing a catch.

“It is just cramps. Now I have a tendency to scare people. I did not sleep well, did not drink enough water and hence the glutes were stiff. I was unwell and I had my fluids down,” Hardik said at the presentation ceremony.

Chasing 163 to win, Sri Lanka needed 13 runs off the last over and left-arm spinner Akshar Patel was surprisingly tasked to defend the runs.

“We might lose a game here and there but it’s alright. I want to put this team in difficult situations because it will help us in big games. Bilaterals we are very good at and this is how we are going to challenge ourselves.

“To be honest, all the young guns got us out of the situation today.”

Debutant pacer Shivam Mavi starred with the ball for India, returning with the figures of 4 for 22 in his four overs.

The skipper was full of praise for the Mavi. “The conversation was very simple, I have seen him (Mavi) bowl well in the IPL and I know what are his strengths, just back yourself and don’t worry about getting hit.”

“I just told him to simply bowl. I told him, ‘I am backing you. Even if you get hit, it’s fine.’ If the same situation is there, I will take the new ball.” He added, “I have been bowling in the nets with the new ball since I returned in the IPL. I have learnt how to swing it back.”

The second T20I will be played in Pune on Thursday (January 5).

(With PTI inputs)