India’s start to 2023 has been emphatic and its all they could have asked for. Back to back series wins will provide immense self-confidence and momentum to the team which is preparing for a very important calendar year ahead. Up next, India will take on Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2023 in a week’s time.
But there is a lot of positives already for the Blues. India’s struggle to find a firepower in the opening slot seems to be dismissed as Shubhman Gill has taken over by a storm. In total 2 ODI series and 2 T20I series have been played and India have won all 4 of the series.
Captain @hardikpandya93 collects the @mastercardindia trophy from BCCI president Mr. Roger Binny & BCCI Honorary Secretary Mr. Jay Shah 👏👏
Congratulations to #TeamIndia who clinch the #INDvNZ T20I series 2️⃣-1️⃣ @JayShah pic.twitter.com/WLbCE417QU
— BCCI (@BCCI) February 1, 2023
Last night at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, India thrashed New Zealand by 168 runs to win the T20I series by 2-1. Meanwhile, after the match, a priceless moment between Indian captain Hardik Pandya and Prithvi Shaw came into the light during the series win celebrations.
Although Prithvi Shaw did not play a single match against the Kiwis due to Shubhman Gill’s presence. The Punjab born batter was favored over the Mumbaikar and the former paid off the trust invested by the management. Even Hardik Pandya mentioned Gill’s selection over Shaw, suggesting form is the reason why Gill has been picked.
Into the night sky & out of the park 🔥🔥@ShubmanGill is dealing in sixes 💥#TeamIndia | #INDvNZ | @mastercardindia pic.twitter.com/OuMivnJXRw
— BCCI (@BCCI) February 1, 2023
However, Pandya did give reasons for Shaw to smile and enjoy. After the Mastercard T20I trophy was handed to the Gujarat Titans captain, he was seen lifting the trophy on one hand and gave it to Prithvi Shaw. Pandya spoke after the match – “Not to be honest, I always play the game like this. I try to read what is required, not have preconceived ideas. In my captaincy, I look to keep it simple and back my gut. I have a simple rule – if I go down, I will go down on my terms.”
