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Hardik Pandya. (Photo Source: RANDY BROOKS/AFP via Getty Images)

India did well to keep the five-match T20I series against the West Indies alive until the last game as they bounced back from losses in the first two games. Eventually, the Rovman Powell-led side beat the ‘Men in Blue’ in the fifth T20I to bag the series 3-2 in Lauderhill, Florida on Sunday, August 13. This would be a bitter pill to swallow for Indian fans as they lost the series to a team who has struggled big time in recent months across formats.

Captain Hardik Pandya, however, stated that it is essential to lose sometimes as it can teach a lot of things. He was also pleased with how the team fought hard when the going was tough and hoped that they would use the experience to improve in the future.

“We have enough time to figure out what is supposed to be done in T20s. Sometimes losing is good because it teaches you a lot of things. It does not cover up the messes which you do but I think, on the positive side, there is a lot of learning which we as a group have learned, and special mention to all the boys,” Hardik was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

“To be very honest, they committed themselves, when we were two-down [on Sunday] they kind of took the challenge on themselves and showed character, throughout the series as well. Yeah, it looked like a very one-sided game today but at the same time, they kept the smile, they kept coming, they kept trying, winning and losing is a part of the process. We just have to focus on learning as well,” he added.

Hardik Pandya impressed with debutants Yashasvi Jaiswal, Tilak Varma, Mukesh Kumar

The 29-year-old Hardik was happy with how the three debutants Yashasvi Jaiswal, Tilak Varma, and Mukesh Kumar fared in the series. He praised them for having belief in their abilities and putting their hands up when the team needed them the most.

“It’s very wonderful, they got heart. That is something which is very important in international cricket. You mentioned Jaiswal, Tilak, and Mukesh but every youngster who is coming up, they are showing character. They have the belief. That is something I’ve seen very often now. Kudos to them, the way they came out and expressed themselves, took the responsibility. I couldn’t he happier as captain that all the youngsters are coming up and putting their hands up and saying you know what I got you,” Hardik said.

India posted 165/9 after batting first as Suryakumar Yadav shined with a 45-ball 61. However, his efforts went in vain courtesy of Brandon King’s unbeaten 55-ball 85 as the West Indies won by eight wickets with two overs to spare.