Hardik was involved in a 113-run stand with Kohli during that thrilling chase against Pakistan.
Chasing 160 to win, the Men in Blue were in dire straits at 31/4 after 6.1 overs. Amid the pressure situation, Kohli rose to the occasion as he smashed 82* off 53 balls and shared a 113-run stand with Hardik Pandya (40 off 37 balls) to script India’s nail-biting four-wicket victory.
In a recent interview with ICC, all-rounder Hardik recalled how he executed the thrilling chase alongside Kohli.
“I don’t play for Hardik Pandya. I play for the team, I play for India. I don’t give much importance to when I come in to play, I just want to play the best cricket I can play in whichever situation I am needed. I think that has helped me in my career a lot.
“My first thought coming into the crease was that we could do it. I knew it was a very steep hill to climb, but I have been in many games where you don’t lose a battle until you give up. It’s just about believing in yourself,” Pandya stated.
“My primary objective was to ensure that Virat played till the end. So, my only message to him was “You have to play till the 20th over,” he added.
The highlight of Kohli’s innings was the two sixes he smashed against Haris Rauf in the penultimate over of India’s chase. While the first hit was down the ground to a slower ball, the second maximum was a flick over square leg.
Commenting on Kohli’s straight six, Hardik said: “Just pure emotion. It just sparked such excitement, the shot he (Kohli) played. It was literally the shot that broke the opponent’s back. It sent a statement.”
“When you stay in the fight, in the hunt, a lot of things come your way. It was one of the most iconic games, and one that will remain so,” he remarked.
India and Pakistan will next face each other in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 match on February 23 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.