Making his comeback to the Indian team after recovering from a left quadriceps injury sustained during the Asia Cup 2025, Hardik Pandya made an instant impact in the first T20I against South Africa at Cuttack on Tuesday (December 9).

The star all-rounder slammed a dazzling half-century after the Proteas won the toss and invited the hosts to bat first. Batting at No. 6, Hardik dominated the South African bowlers right from the word go on a surface where most Indian batters found shot-making difficult.

Pandya went on to play an unbeaten knock of 59 in just 28 deliveries, including 6 fours and 4 sixes. His innings propelled the Men in Blue to a formidable total of 175/6 in 20 overs.

The highlight of Hardik Pandya’s whirlwind knock was a couple of sixes he hit off Keshav Maharaj’s bowling in the 13th over. Facing only his second delivery, Hardik launched the leg-spinner over deep mid-wicket for a towering six and then played a dot before smashing another maximum over long-on.

Here’s the video:

Pandya’s six to bring up his fifty also left the fans and commentators in awe as he sliced Anrich Nortje over third man for half-a-dozen in the final over of India’s innings.

Here’s the clip: