Hardik Pandya's Key 'Responsibility' Revealed After England T20I Win: "Did The Same..."

With the amount of freedom that the Indian T20I team is being offered, captain Suryakumar Yadav said, his side wants to play a "bit differently" from the way they played in the T20 World Cup 2024. The calendar year changed, but India's threatening approach in the T20Is remained the same. After ending 2024 on a high note, India picked up the momentum and kickstarted T20Is in 2025 with a bang. With 'Bazball' taking over white-ball cricket, India's 'Gamball' ensured England's new era began on a disappointing note. Brendon McCullum watched his side getting blown away by T20 World Cup champions in his first T20I as England's white-ball head coach.

At Eden Gardens, where dew was always going to have its say, fortunes favoured India as Suryakumar won the toss and decided to put England to bat. The Indian skipper believes the energy after the toss had set the benchmark for the hosts.

"The energy after we won the toss set the benchmark. Bowlers had plans, executed, and the way we batted was icing on the cake," Suryakumar said in the post-match presentation.

With Mohammed Shami absent from the playing XI, Arshdeep Singh and Hardik Pandya had to take up the responsibility of delivering with the new ball.

Varun Chakravarthy remained a mystery for England in the middle overs as the Indian bowling unit delivered a flawless performance in harmony.

Arshdeep rattled the opening pair with his brace, and Chakravarthy kept it simple with his googly to complete a three-wicket haul, taking the entire momentum away from the visitors.

"We did the same in South Africa. Hardik had the responsibility to bowl the new ball so cushion to play the extra spinner. Varun's preparations are on point, and Arshdeep is taking the extra responsibility.