Hardik Pandya was the star of India’s win in the 1st T20I against England on July 7 in Southampton. He starred with both the bat and the ball, taking 4/33 after scoring 51 runs, and was named the Player of the Match for his efforts.
Hardik's knock of 50 helped India post 198/8 in 20 overs and then he took crucial wickets to ensure India stays on top. Hardik went on to take the wickets of Jason Roy, Dawid Malan, Liam Livingstone, and Sam Curran.
After the game, Hardik spoke to reporters during a press conference, and he talked about his performance and mindset in general.
"Obviously, right now I am not thinking much about what I'll be playing in the future and all that. Right now, i am focusing on as many games, I am available for India, that will be my intention. And talking about today's performance, obviously, it is always good to perform when your team requires and when your team wins. For me, it was simple, what my team required and doing what I know. I believe the hard work pays off, my point is to prepare well, the result is not in my control. Right now, all is coming off, today is a good day, and tomorrow might be bad. So, you don't know, it is all about working hard, life goes on," said Hardik.
"I will give equal importance to my batting and bowling today. That 50 was important as well because we had lost wickets, but we maintained the momentum and we reached a good score. But the bowling bit will take more credit because that spell brought us in the game and made it difficult for England to stay in the game," he added.
Hardik Pandya recently made his return to competitive cricket after a long sabbatical in which he worked on his fitness after his back issues led to him being unable to bowl. He was asked about his return to Test cricket during the same press conference.
He said: "It depends on how and what we are playing. This is a white-ball season as World Cups are around the corner. I have always seen that right now the maximum white-ball matches I can play is important, when Tests will come, definitely. What to play, only time will tell, but right now it is about giving my 100 percent and if i don't, then I'll go out. I won't take someone's place."
Talking about the performance of youngsters and India's bench strength, the all-rounder said: "We as a team, it is a very confidence booster. Our regular five players are not there, and they will join so the team will get better only. The new guys are expressing themselves; India's bench strength is increasing and it is seeming like there is a change in culture. You talked about batting, it is a conscious effort, credit goes to Rahul Dravid and the management, they said do one thing and just express yourself. When there is so much clarity, it is a big confidence booster. When we get out while hitting a shot, we don't think like oh no, what shot we have played. So, credit goes to the coaches."
Hardik Pandya was all praiseful of veteran bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar who gave India the perfect start by dismissing Jos Buttler for a golden duck.
"Everyone knows what Jos can do, it was a very big wicket. He is someone who can be a match-winner on any given day he decides. Actually, it took a special ball to get him out as well, the field was set for an outswinger and there was no mid-wicket, and Bhuvi doing what he does best, kind of bluffing the batter, setting him up and delivering the ball which he delivered, it was fantastic," said Hardik.
(NDTV inputs)
