IND vs SL: Hardik Pandya reveals incredible reason for giving Axar Patel final over against Sri Lanka

Indian captain Hardik Pandya answered some of the buzzing questions after the hosts pulled off an impressive win over Sri Lanka in the 1st T20I of the three-match series on Tuesday. In the absence of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul, Pandya-led India outclassed Asian champions Sri Lanka by 2 runs at the Wankhede Stadium.

Pandya opened the bowling attack for the men in blue while debutant Shivam Mavi came out as the pick of the bowlers in the recently concluded clash at the Wankhede Stadium. Hardin Pandya, who did not complete his quota of overs, entrusted Axar Patel with the task of getting India over the line in the final-over thriller. Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Pandya revealed why Axar bowled the final over of the innings.

"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," Pandya said.

Axar Patel defended 13 runs in the last over as India defeated Sri Lanka by 2 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series.

Axar Patel (31*) also remained not-out alongside Deepak Hooda (41*) as the duo guided the hosts to a match-winning total of 162-5 in the 20-over contest. Reflecting on India's performance in the series opener, Hardik Pandya also showered praise on pacer Mavi, who made his international debut at the Wankhede.

"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," Pandya added.

Fast bowler Shivam Mavi scalped 4 wickets and gave away 22 runs in India's memorable win over the Asia Cup winners. Pandya-led side will face Sri Lanka in the 2nd T20I at Pune's Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium on Thursday.

Also Read: Deepak Hooda-Axar Patel break MS Dhoni and Yusuf Pathan's 13-year-old record against Sri Lanka