After India’s seven-wicket victory in the first T20I against Ireland in Dublin, stand-in skipper Hardik Pandya revealed why designated opener Ruturaj Gaikwad didn’t come out to bat for the visitors.
Chasing 109 to win in a rain-marred 12-over match, Ishan Kishan came out to open the innings alongside Deepak Hooda for India. While Kishan was dismissed for 11-ball 26, Hooda held the one end firmly and stayed unbeaten on 47 off 29 balls to take the tourists over the line with 16 deliveries to spare.
Speaking after the game, Hardik, who played a knock of 12-ball 24 in the chase, said Gaikwad picked up a niggle which prevented him from opening the innings.
"Rutu had a niggle in his calf," Pandya said in the post-match press conference. "We had the choice of taking a risk and sending him in [to open], but I was not okay with it. A player's well-being is more important, and [I thought] we'll be able to manage what happens in the match.
Since Team India won the match comfortably, Ruturaj Gaikwad’s services weren’t needed lower down the order as well.
"It was quite simple after that, there wasn't much of a decision to make; whatever our [batting-order] numbers were, we all went up one spot, and it wasn't a big headache. We wanted to make sure we weren't taking any chances with Rutu," the captain added.
Hardik Pandya also had words of encouragement for fast-bowling sensation Umran Malik, who conceded 14 runs in the only over he bowled on his international debut.
"When you play for India for the first time, and the journey he has taken, it's important to give such a bowler and such a talent time," he said. "Whether it was a good day or a bad day is irrelevant. For him, just to play for India is itself a very big thing, and that is something which I'm very happy for, [irrespective] of how the result went, good or bad, it's okay.
"It's part and parcel of the game, but at the same point of time, from here he'll only get better, the more matches he plays, and it's a big thing for him to play for India, for anyone to play for India. I want to let him enjoy this moment because it doesn't come every time. A debut happens only once."
With this victory, the Indian team took an unbeatable 1-0 lead in the two-match T20I series. The second T20I will be played at the same venue on Tuesday (June 28).
(With ESPNCricinfo inputs)
