India vs Australia – Justin Langer compares Hardik Pandya to MS Dhoni: Australia coach Justin Langer on Sunday described Indian off-roader Hardik Pandya’s match-winning entries in the second T20 International as an “incredible spectacle” and compared him to former captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni as a finalist.
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A swashbuckling Pandya struck out 42 without 22 balls as he finished what Shikhar Dhawan had set out to achieve with a brilliant 52 of 36 balls to establish India’s six-wicket series victory.
“It was an incredible game. We know how dangerous he (Pandya) is. In the past we had MS Dhoni and the way he (Pandya) played today, ”Langer said at the post-match virtual press conference.
“He’s played really well all summer, so obviously it was a great inning at the end there.
Langer admitted that India was too good for his team with many experienced T20 players in their ranks.
“I thought the whole game was very close. Our fielding was absolutely incredible, it was exciting to watch, but India with their experienced T20 players was too good for us today, ”said the Australia coach.
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Virat Kohli also played a role in India’s victory with 40 runs from 24 balls and Langer praised the India captain for some “extraordinary” shots he made on Sunday.
Some of Virat’s (Kohli) shots, I’ve said for years that he (Kohli) is the best player I’ve probably seen. Some of the shots that he played tonight were extraordinary and (they got) a good opening association and they crossed the line,? said the former Australian starter hitter.
According to Langer, his team thought they had enough runs on the board to defend and India had to hit very well to win the match.
I am proud of my players. It was a great show, a Sunday night between India and Australia, it was so close, it was a really exciting game. We hit very well, we had enough runs and we thought India would have to hit very well.
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Langer also had words of praise for Mitchell Swepson, who returned with numbers of 1-25.
I thought Mitch (Mitchell) Swepson bowled very well, he was excellent tonight and he fulfilled the courage to play two-legged bowling. Mitch bowled well, (too) took a couple of catches, he’s had a very good performance.
“And Matthew Wade hit wonderfully at the top of the order, Steve Smith hit well too, so a lot of good contributions, what stood out for me was the athleticism on the field.
“It didn’t get us there, but we certainly had our chances of winning the game like most games we’ve played … since the England (tour).”
Speaking of backup captain Matthew Wade, Langer said: “He did a very good job, mixed the pins well, that catch to get Virat out was an excellent catch. He had a good game. “
The third T20 International will be broadcast live on the Sony Ten 1, Sony Ten 3 and Sony Six channels on Tuesday starting at 1:40 pm IST.
