Hardik Pandya stole the show in India’s dominant 101-run victory over South Africa in the first T20I at Barabati Stadium, Cuttack on Tuesday (December 9).
Playing his first T20I match after recovering from a left quadriceps injury sustained during the Asia Cup 2025, the star all-rounder slammed 59* off just 28 balls on a pitch where most batters found shot-making difficult. His knock, studded with 6 fours and 4 sixes, propelled the hosts to a formidable 175/6 in 20 overs.
Hardik also made a mark with the ball as he got the prized scalp of David Miller and conceded 16 runs in his two overs.
Reflecting on his performance after receiving the Player-of-the-Match award, Hardik said, “I had to back my shots. At the same point of time, I realized that the wicket had a bit of spice. You had to be a little gutsy, and it was more about timing the ball, not trying to break the ball. I was very satisfied with the way I was batting. I think the last six or seven months have been really amazing from a fitness standpoint.”
He added, “I don’t make a big deal about the hard work that goes behind it, but at the same time, these last 50 days, being away from your loved ones, spending time at the NCA, making sure everything is covered. It’s very satisfying when you come here and the results follow.”
Hardik Pandya also stated that he has never been ‘fussy’ about the role and has always tried to put the nation and the team first.
Calling that trait of his as his biggest USP, the multi-skilled cricketer said, “As a cricketer, I don’t think I’ve ever been fussy about my role. I’ve always been motivated to make sure it doesn’t matter what Hardik Pandya wants; it matters what India wants. Whenever I get opportunities, I try to do my best. Some days are good, some aren’t, but the mindset always helps me. Throughout my career, I’ve tried to put my team first, the nation first, whichever team I’ve played for. That’s my biggest USP and that’s what has always helped me.”
Pandya’s shot selection in the first T20I drew praises from commentators and experts as he confidently took on the bowlers and hit them to nearly all parts of the ground.
Elaborating on what was going on in his mind when he faced the Proteas bowlers, Hardik said, “I kind of knew he (Maharaj) wouldn’t go closer to Axar. I didn’t plan it that way, it was just that if it came into my arc, I wanted to go for it. He took a chance and I took a chance. Mine was more calculated on that track, and it paid off. I think that gave us rhythm, gave us momentum that we capitalised on. We were 20-25 runs ahead of the game when those overs began. It’s just about gamesmanship, identifying the right bowler to take down on the day. When it comes off, it looks good.”
With this win, India took a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. The second T20I will be played in Chandigarh on Thursday (December 11).
(With IANS Inputs)
