Hardik Pandya said this after Virat Kohli's India clinched ODI series vs Australia

Indore: India all-rounder Hardik Pandya once again stole the show in India's 5-wicket victory over Australia in the third ODI at Holkar Cricket Stadium here on Sunday. Pandya scored a match-winning 78 runs to ensure team's victory.

The win in the third ODI also ensured Team India clinched series and take a 3-0 lead in the five-match ODI series."I always backed myself. In cricket confidence always matters, I just backed myself and was confident that I will clear the ground," said Pandya while speaking of his performance.

Pandya was particularly brutal on Australia's left-arm spinner Ashton Agar during India's innings. The left-arm spinner was punished for 71 runs in his 10 overs and picked up one wicket. The all-rounder said "the plan was to target the spinners and the plan came out pretty well".

Indian openers Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane set the platform for middle order after putting up 139 run opening stand. Both the openers hit half-centuries at the top of the order to ensure a smooth start to the chase.

"They were the one to set the platform for us to go and express ourselves. It's a treat to watch them play and score runs,” said Pandya.

Pandya who was promoted to no 4 in the batting order said that he is happy to bat anywhere and sees it as an opportunity to do something nice for the team.

"Happy to bat anywhere they want me to. Rather seeing it as a challenge, I see it as an opportunity to do something nice for the team," concluded Pandya.

After clinching the series in Indore, Team India will be traveling to Bengaluru for the fourth ODI which will be played on Thursday and the final match will take place in Nagpur on Sunday.