Hardik Pandya Joins Elite Six-Hitting Club Alongside Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma; Don’t Miss Gambhir’s Reaction | Cricket
Hardik Pandya delivered a standout performance in the first T20I against South Africa at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack. His unbeaten 59 runs off 28 balls was crucial in guiding India to a total of 175/6. The match took place on Tuesday, where India struggled initially after being asked to bat first.
India’s Tumultuous Start
India faced early setbacks, losing key players Shubman Gill (4), Suryakumar Yadav (12), Abhishek Sharma (17), and Tilak Varma (26) cheaply. At one point, it appeared that scoring over 150 runs would be a challenge for the Indian team.
Hardik Pandya’s Heroics
Hardik Pandya’s timely innings proved to be a game-changer. He joined the match after a three-month injury hiatus and achieved his joint-fastest fifty in T20 internationals. His score included 6 fours and 4 sixes, showcasing his power-hitting abilities.
- Runs: 59
- Balls Faced: 28
- Fours: 6
- Sixes: 4
During his innings, Pandya became the fourth Indian cricketer to hit 100 sixes in T20Is, joining the ranks of Rohit Sharma (205), Suryakumar Yadav (155), and Virat Kohli (124).
Climactic Finishing Touch
He reached his half-century in a dramatic fashion, hitting a six off Anrich Nortje on the second ball of the final over. His explosive finish included 11 runs in the last four balls, boosting India’s total significantly.
Reactions from Cricket Community
After his performance, captain Suryakumar Yadav and head coach Gautam Gambhir acknowledged his impact with a standing ovation from the dugout.
Former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa praised Pandya’s contribution, stating, “Hardik saved India from embarrassment. His approach was aggressive, and he executed the fundamentals of power hitting excellently.” Uthappa added that although India might have been short of an ideal target, Pandya’s innings was exceptional.
Match Overview
South Africa’s skipper, Aiden Markram, won the toss and elected to bowl first, leading to a challenging start for India. Despite the rocky beginning, Pandya’s explosive innings brought life back to the match, allowing India to post a competitive score.
Ultimately, Hardik Pandya’s performance not only secured his place in the elite six-hitting club of Indian cricket alongside Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma but also instilled hope for India’s chances in the series.
