'Had a niggle in his calf' - Hardik Pandya reveals why Ruturaj Gaikwad didn't bat in 1st T20I

The T20I series opener between Ireland and India at the Village saw the Men in Blue chase down the host’s total of 108 runs with quite an ease as Deepak Hooda, Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya starred with the bat. Skipper Pandya has now spoken on the absence of opener Ruturaj Gaikwad in India’s batting innings.

The game was shortened to 12 overs per side due to the interruption from rain. After restricting the Irish batters to a total of 108 runs in their 12 overs, the Indian batters took center stage. There seemed a tactical change in the Indian batting order, as Deepak Hooda came out to open with Ishan Kishan instead of Ruturaj Gaikwad.

But murmurs began echoing when Gaikwad didn’t come out to bat at all as India chased down the Irish total with seven wickets in the shed. Following the conclusion of the game, skipper Pandya revealed that the opener suffered a niggle and was not used as a precautionary measure. The skipper said that he didn’t want to take a chance with the opener’s injury and his absence wasn’t much of a headache for the side.

“Rutu had a niggle in his calf, 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. 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,” Pandya said in his post-match press conference.

It’s a big thing for Umran Malik to play for India: Hardik Pandya

There was a buzz in the crowd present at the stadium, not only because of this clash but to see the young and exciting Umran Malik play for the first time in national colours. The youngster’s debut didn’t go to plan as he conceded 14 runs in the only over that he bowled in the match. The skipper spoke about the youngster’s temperament and said that he will only get better and just wanted him to enjoy his debut irrespective of the result as it comes around only once.

“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,” the Indian skipper stated.