Hardik Pandya played a key role with the bat in India’s 15-run win over England in the penultimate game of the five-T20I series at the MCA Stadium, Pune on Friday (January 31).
Opting to bowl first, the hosts were left reeling at 12/3, with Sanju Samson (1), Tilak Varma (0) and Suryakumar Yadav (0) being dismissed cheaply.
Abhishek Sharma and Rinku Singh also failed to make a mark as India slumped to 79/5 before the 11th over. But Hardik and Shivam Dube stitched together partnership of 87 runs with twin 53-run knocks off 30 and 34 balls respectively to propel India to a good score of 181/9.
During the chase, the visitors were cruising as they reached 62/0 before the last ball of the powerplay. However, a wicket on the last ball of the sixth over, two more in the next two overs and then concussion substitute Harshit Rana’s superb spell (3-33 in 4 overs) helped India bounce back into the match and register a series-clinching victory.
After the game, all-rounder Hardik cherished his match-winning knock as it gave him a "wonderful feeling" of leading India to victory.
"Batting has always been my number one (love) or close to my heart. That's a very satisfying day (on Friday), and at the same point of time before sleeping (it) gives me a wonderful feeling and I've always had a good sleep post that," Hardik said in a video posted by BCCI on 'X'.
Pandya, who was instrumental in India's T20 World Cup triumph last year, stated that cricket is his life and his top priority.
"For me, I love this sport way too much; it's been my life, it's been my priority, it's been my first love. The sport does not wait much, your first love always gives you the kiss back," he remarked.
"The sport has given me so much love that I always feel like I have to turn up and be very, very honest and very loyal to the sport," added Pandya, who claimed three wickets in the final against South Africa as India clinched their second T20 World Cup title last year.
Hardik Pandya went on to say that his fans are his biggest asset and he tries to make them happy as much as he can.
"I have always been someone who has played for the fans. When fans are there, when fans are chanting, it gives me the added motivation. At the same point of time, I really want to do well for them," he said.
Pandya admitted that a lot has changed for him since the T20 World Cup 2024 win. "A lot of things have changed post World Cup. I really love to entertain the crowd and make sure every penny what they've spent is worth it," he added.
