Hardik Pandya stole the spotlight on Tuesday when India dismantled South Africa for a 101‑run win at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack, according to the LatestNewsX. With that 1‑0 lead in the five‑match T20I series, the Men in Blue set a high bar as they begin preparations for the T20 World Cup.
When most of the batting lineup struggled to hit big shots, Pandya stayed calm, smashing an unbeaten 59 off just 28 deliveries to lift India’s first‑innings total to 175/6.
The bowlers then turned the tide, restricting the Proteas to a paltry 74 and securing a decisive victory. Pandya also made an impact with the ball, taking a wicket on his very first ball of the match, and was rightly awarded Player of the Match.
After accepting the trophy he reflected on his performance:
“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 that the effort had paid off:
“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.”
Pandya also noted that he has never been “fussy” about a specific role; he always puts India first. “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,” he said.
When explaining his batting approach, the Mumbai Indians captain 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.”
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