India registered a commanding 200-run win over West Indies in the third ODI at the Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad on Tuesday, claiming the series 2-1. The Indian team showcased their batting prowess, amassing an impressive 351 for five after being put in to bat.
Ishan Kishan, Shubman Gill, Sanju Samson and stand-in-skipper Hardik Pandya made significant contributions to the massive total, scoring 77, 85, 51 and an unbeaten 70 respectively. Their combined efforts provided a formidable platform for India to set a challenging target for the hosts.
In response, the West Indies batting lineup faltered, collapsing to 50 for six before ultimately being bundled out for 151 in 35.3 overs. India pacers, Mukesh Kumar and Shardul Thakur, proved to be the star performers with the ball, causing havoc among the West Indies batsmen.
Following India’s triumph in the three-match series, Hardik openly expressed his discontent about certain travel plans and arrangements during the tour.
In the post-match presentation ceremony, renowned commentator and former West Indies opener Daren Ganga inquired about the facilities at the Brian Lara Cricket Stadium in Tarouba, which was hosting its maiden ODI.
“We don’t ask for luxury but we need some basic necessities taken care of”: Hardik
Hardik acknowledged the stadium as “one of the nicest” venues but quickly shifted the focus to highlight the shortcomings faced by the Indian team due to the Cricket West Indies’ (CWI) arrangements during their tour. He emphasized the need for the hosts to ensure that basic necessities are taken care of when visiting teams travel to the West Indies in the future.
“This was one of the nicest grounds we have played. Things can be better when we come to West Indies next time. From traveling 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,” stated Hardik.
Earlier, the Indian cricketers had expressed their displeasure to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) after their late-night flight from Trinidad to Barbados was delayed by close to four hours, leading to sleep deprivation ahead of the series opener. The senior cricketers requested the BCCI to reconsider late-night flights when there is little gap between matches to ensure better player rest and preparation.
