On Wednesday, Hardik Pandya sported the blue jersey of team India, receiving cheers from the crowd instead of the usual jeers. This contrasted with his experience wearing the deep blue of Mumbai Indians during IPL 2024.
Pandya’s performance, securing three wickets with his fast-medium bowling, was pivotal. He expressed his delight at representing the country, stating, ‘Always special to play for the country, WC is something I’ve been able to contribute,’ during the innings break of India’s T20 World Cup match against Ireland, to broadcasters.
After enduring a challenging two and a half months as skipper of MI, Pandya appeared comfortable once more wearing the India jersey. The presenter asked Hardik if it felt like Mumbai because of the large number of Indians present, and he responded excellently.
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He delivered four crucial overs, which his captain, Rohit Sharma, will require in the future to adjust his team’s composition.
On a conducive pitch, he bowled 72 percent of his deliveries (according to the pitch map) either on length or just short of it.
Starting strongly 💯🇮🇳 Thanks for the love, New York ❤️ pic.twitter.com/3S1uejt7w7
— hardik pandya (@hardikpandya7) June 5, 2024
Out of 72 percent, 44 percent found its mark on a good length, allowing the ball to swing and create movement off the surface.
‘I particularly enjoyed the first wicket. Generally, I don’t hit the stumps often because I tend to bowl back of a length. However, on this wicket, I needed to pitch it fuller to stay competitive. Yes, if you bowl short, the ball may fly,’ Hardik Pandya remarked.
While Lorcan Tucker’s dismissal witnessed the ball tailing in and dislodging the middle stump, Curtis Campher fell victim to a delivery that landed on a good length and moved away.
Having endured constant trolling on social media and receiving boos at every Indian venue, the resounding cheers for his outstanding bowling performance must have been music to his ears.
‘It’s always fantastic to witness the crowd backing us. We Indians are everywhere, dominating the world. It’s great to receive such overwhelming support, and I am truly grateful to them,’ he expressed.
