NEW DELHI: Hardik Pandya admitted he was "gutted" to miss the Asia Cup final against Pakistan due to a minor injury, but took solace in India's title win. The all-rounder said the tense run chase would prove invaluable experience for the team going forward.

India successfully hunted down Pakistan's target of 147 in 19.4 overs to lift their ninth Asia Cup crown in Dubai on Sunday.

"I was very gutted to miss the most important game, but the way the boys played was outstanding. They showed a lot of character," Pandya said in a video posted by the BCCI.

"These games are going to help us in the long run where we will be tested, we will be put under pressure. The way we held our nerves was fantastic," he added.

Pandya remarked that this Indian team is quickly learning to adapt to different situations and conditions.

"T20 cricket is about that, come and dominate, play a fearless brand, and at the same point of time learn and adapt, I think this team is learning that," he said.

The Baroda all-rounder lauded opener Abhishek Sharma for giving the team a flying start.

"Outstanding effort by Abhishek from the top - the way he played and the fearlessness he showed, half of the game he won for us in the Power Play itself," he said.

Pandya's Asia Cup campaign was far from his best, managing only four wickets in six games at an economy of 8.57.

Still, the 31-year-old brushed aside numbers, stressing that he enjoyed the challenge of sharing new-ball responsibilities with Jasprit Bumrah.

"I have always enjoyed any role that I am given, and this time I was handed over the new ball, which I really enjoyed. Batting has always been there, whenever the team requires, as that’s the way I like to bat," he said.

"Bowling has been my No. 1 priority for a long time now, if Hardik Pandya bowls then batting is never a problem. I treat myself as a pure fast bowler and I have taken a lot of pride in that. It's a lot of hard work, a lot of discipline, and it has been a constant which I really enjoy," he said.

Pandya said he has accepted bowling as a choice in his life rather than as a mundane chore.

"I tried making a big deal out of it, but as a person I am not like that because in my life I have learned that if you create something like ‘it’s a big thing I am doing’ then on the 15th day, you will lose motivation.

"What has helped me is that I have made it a life’s choice and it has been fantastic barring the unfortunate yesterday," he added.