Pandya ensures India win series

When India defeated Australia in the final ODI to make a comeback of sorts, the pundits said one swallow does not make a summer. Worse, there were some experts like Michael Vaughan who landed up with egg on face on Sunday night as India thumped Australia by six wickets to clinch the T20 series.

The third win on the  trot for the Men in Blue was well worth the effort from a clutch of players. On Sunday, undoubtedly, it was the Rock Star of Indian cricket, Hardik Pandya, who slammed 42 off 22 deliveries to give India a much-needed boost in this arduous series being played at break-neck speed.

It would not be an exaggeration to state that the mood and energy in the Indian team has been  one of positivity. When the Aussies racked up 194 for 5 in 20 overs, it seemed a stiff target to chase.

The Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), which had seen India lost the first two ODIs turned out to be a good hunting ground this time. Minus David Warner and Aaron Finch, the Aussies, struggling with injuries,  managed a decent total. Steve Smith scored 46 and Mathhew Wade chipped in with 58. For India, T.Natarajan once again showed he is  a man on the ascendant.

The IPL star who caught the attention of one and all with his left-arm accurate medium fast bowling was once again rewarded for his efforts. His figures of 2 for 20 reflected maturity and the poise with which he bowls these days in international matches. As one who grabbed headlines in the IPL, his ability to soak in pressure and fire showed India have found a white ball left-arm quickie who can be depended upon.

The chase for India was punctuated by an aggressive approach, which was very much needed. If Shikhar Dhawan (52) and skipper Virat Kohli (40) were in form, Pandya showed he is in a very punitive mood these days. His unbeaten 42 was simply electrifying and gave millions of Indian cricket fans joy on a Sunday evening. The final T20 international will be played on Tuesday.

Even as Team India have made a remarkable turnaround in a series which was supposed to be in favour of the Aussies,  people like Vaughan and a few more are rubbishing India on their chances in the hyped up Test series which will begin after the T20 series. At this point of time, what is crucial is India are in an upbeat mood. They are doing the basics right and showing that what matters Down Under is to just play with freedom.

Speaking after the match, Pandya said he is happy with his own batting. He talked of carrying forward his form from the IPL to ODIs and T20 matches in Australia. Surely, his power and timing enthralled all the former greats of the sport, once again.