With the team management sticking with their decision to rest captain Rohit Sharma and senior batter Virat Kohli for the third ODI of the three-match series which was also the decider with the series poised at 1-1, it was Hardik Pandya who was the stand-in captain for Team India once again. While the team had succumbed to a defeat in the second ODI with Hardik at the helm, this time around it was he himself leading from the front with the bat, a department which had failed big time in the previous match.

Riding on Hardik’s unbeaten 70 off 52 balls, coupled with half-centuries from Shubman Gill (85), Ishan Kishan (77) and Sanju Samson, India first scored a formidable 351/5 batting first before bowling out the opposition for just 151. Shardul Thakur was the pick of the bowlers for Team India as he returned with figures of 4/37 while Mukesh Kumar was also impressive, scalping 3 wickets for 30 runs. India’s victory by 200 runs in the third ODI means they also sealed the series.

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Talking at the post-match presentation though, India’s stand-in skipper Hardik Pandya made his displeasure regarding the arrangements made by the West Indies cricket board known to the world. While  he acknowldged that the Brian Lara Stadium, Tarouba in Trinidad was one of the nicest venues, he expected better with regards to the travel arrangement and other basic requirements.

“This was one of the nicest grounds we have played. Things can be better when we come to West Indies next time. From travelling to managing a lot of things. Last year also, some hiccups happened. I think it’s time for West Indies Cricket to take note of it and make sure that when a team travels… We don’t ask for luxury but we need some basic necessities taken care of. Other than that, really enjoyed coming here and playing some good cricket,” Hardik said after the match on Tuesday.

Earlier, the Indian team members had reportedly told the BCCI to avoid night flights after their Trinidad to Barbados flight, scheduled for departure at 11 pm, left at 3 am and arrived only at 5 am. This was prior to the ODI series opener. 

Meanwhile, Hardik’s comment would mean West Indies Cricket Board would also be on their toes to make better arrangements next time a touring side come sat their shores.