India’s star all-rounder Hardik Pandya made a stunning comeback to international cricket after nearly six months of being on the sidelines due to injury. He played the first T20I against South Africa at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack and shined throughout the match as he scored an unbeaten half-century. His knock was extremely crucial for India as it helped build a strong total of 175.
For six months he was away from international cricket but he showed patience and focused on attaining full fitness. Walking in at no.6 Pandya wrecked havoc on field as he scored 59 runs off just 28 balls with a dashing strike rate of 210.71. Powering India towards win, Pandya reflected on his knock and mentioned about the struggle it took to recover from the injury.
“I had to back my shots. At the same point of time, I realized that the wicket had a bit of spice. You had to be a little gutsy, and it was more about timing the ball, not trying to break the ball. I was very satisfied with the way I was batting. I think the last six or seven months have been really amazing from a fitness standpoint.”
Pandya highlighted that for him nation always comes first and he is always there to step up for the team whenever they need him.
I don’t make a big deal about the hard work that goes behind it, but at the same time, these last 50 days, being away from your loved ones, spending time at the NCA, making sure everything is covered. It’s very satisfying when you come here and the results follow. As a cricketer, I don’t think I’ve ever been fussy about my role. I’ve always been motivated to make sure it doesn’t matter what Hardik Pandya wants; it matters what India wants.”
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Whenever I get opportunities, I try to do my best. Some days are good, some aren’t, but the mindset always helps me. Throughout my career, I’ve tried to put my team first, the nation first, whichever team I’ve played for. That’s my biggest USP and that’s what has always helped me. I kind of knew he (Maharaj) wouldn’t go closer to Axar.”
“I didn’t plan it that way, it was just that if it came into my arc, I wanted to go for it. He took a chance and I took a chance. Mine was more calculated on that track, and it paid off. I think that gave us rhythm, gave us momentum that we capitalised on. We were 20-25 runs ahead of the game when those overs began. It’s just about gamesmanship, identifying the right bowler to take down on the day. When it comes off, it looks good.
India’s bowling attack was also top-notch with Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy and Axar Patel all of them taking two wickets each. Pandya’s wicket was extremely important as he dismissed David Miller – one of the strongest batter of South Africa.
