Team India was taken over the line in the 2nd T20I by an explosive cameo from Hardik Pandya. The all-rounder has stepped up with the bat and has performed the role of finisher so well, that him not being able to bowl is not affecting his performances.
He has taken the responsibility to steer the Indian team to above-par totals and targets on the Australian tour so far. Hardik was the highest run-getter for India in the ODI series scoring 210 runs in 3 games at an average of a whopping 105.00. He bettered his highest ODI score twice in the series.
AUS v IND 2020-21: Hardik Pandya says "don't mind" if asked to stay back for Tests
The 27-year-old continued the same form in the T20I leg. In the 2nd game, he came in to bat when India was 120/3 and scored a 22-ball 42-run unbeaten cameo to win the game for India. He scored 14 runs in the final over with 2 balls to spare and gave memories of a certain finisher who used to finish games in the last over for India.
While Hardik received appreciation from all over the world, his older brother Krunal Pandya's message is what he'll value the most. Krunal wrote on Twitter, "Superstar, entertainer, finisher Bhai, you’re AMAZING! Congrats #TeamIndia @hardikpandya7"
Superstar, entertainer, finisher ???? Bhai, you’re AMAZING! ???? Congrats #TeamIndia ???????? @hardikpandya7 pic.twitter.com/M47KS3SWLw
— Krunal Pandya (@krunalpandya24) December 6, 2020
Hardik Pandya will most likely feature in the 3rd T20I as well and might be considered to be added in the Test squad as well given he is in fantastic touch with the bat.