India vs Ireland, 1st T2OI: Didn't want to risk playing Ruturaj Gaikwad as he had a calf niggle, says Hardik Pandya

Ireland as he picked up a calf niggle in the first half of the game. India chased down a 109-run target with relative ease in the rain-curtailed T20 against hosts Ireland on Sunday night.

Read AlsoIndia vs Ireland, 1st T20I: India coast to seven-wicket win over spirited Ireland

Ireland put up a spirited fight but India proved too strong for the home team to win the rain-hit opening T20I by seven wickets on Sunday. Harry Tector's counter-attacking 64 not out off 33 balls took Ireland to 108 for four after the rain reduced the game to 12 overs a side

But at the halfway stage instead of regular opener Gaikwad, Deepak Hooda walked out to open the innings alongside Ishan Kishan. "Rutu had a niggle in his calf," Pandya said at the post-match press conference. "We had the choice of taking a risk and sending him in (to open), but I was not okay with it. A player's well-being is more important, and (I thought) we'll be able to manage what happens in the match." Hooda, who was playing his fourth T20I for India, ended up top-scoring for the visitors as he remained unbeaten on 47 off 29. "It was quite simple after that, there wasn't much of a decision to make; whatever our (batting-order) numbers were, we all went up one spot, and it wasn't a big headache. We wanted to make sure we weren't taking any chances with Rutu." 'Important to give such a talent some time'Pace sensation Umran Malik was handed a much-anticipated debut after spending time on the bench in the home series against South Africa earlier this month. However, the 22-year-old just bowled one over in which he gave away 14 runs, including a four and six. "Umran was kept back after I had a chat with him, he's more comfortable with the older ball and they batted