Hardik Pandya, who broke 92 undefeated against Australia in the third One-day International (ODI), said he is happy if Ravindra Jadeja keeps the mantle of the team’s “rock star” as he has now become a father and would rather be called dad. Speaking to former Australian player Shane Warne after the Canberra win, Hardik also praised T. Natarajan, who made his ODI debut at the Manuka Oval, calling his trip “inspirational.”
When asked if he will take on the rock star role on Ravindra Jadeja’s team, Hardik said: “I’m fine if Jadeja keeps that role (team rock star). I’m a dad now so I’d rather be called dad now “.
“Natarajan is a great story, a great inspiration with the background that he comes from,” added Hardik.
Hardik was declared man of the match for his half-century undefeated in which India recorded 302 for five of their 50 allotted overs.
Hardik along with Jadeja made 150 runs for the sixth wicket.
In response, Australia, which already won the series by taking home the top two ODIs, fell 13 races short of the target.
Aaron Finch ran the most for the hosts with a hit of 75.
Promoted
Shardul Thakur, who played his first game on the Australian tour, was the bowlers’ choice when he returned with figures of three for 51 of his 10 overs.
Australia, despite losing Canberra ODI, clinched the series 2-1. Both teams will meet again at the same venue on Friday for the first of three Twenty20 Internationals.
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