India’s star all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been in some sensational form ever since his return to competitive cricket after a long break of five-month, which he took after the end of the ICC T20 World Cup 2021. And he made a stellar return as he not just excelled with the bat and ball but he also led his side Gujarat Titans to their maiden IPL win in his first attempt as a captain.
Hardik Pandya Stole The Show With His All-Around Performance
He carried his sensational form while playing for the Indian cricket team as well. Last night, in the first T20I match of the ongoing 3-match series against England as well, Hardik scored his maiden T20I fifty for team India and then went on to pick a four-for to help the Indian side win the game.
Pandya led India’s aggressive batting display as he played a stellar knock of 33-ball 51, registering his maiden half-century in the T20I format. His stunning knock helped India post 198 runs for eight after they opted to bat first.
After his stellar performance with the bat, Pandya stole the show with the ball as he finished the game with excellent figures of 4/33, as he destroyed England’s batting with his full quota of four overs. He was later adjudged the Man of the Match for his brilliant show at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Southampton.
Hardik On His Struggle
After receiving his Player of the Match award, the star all-rounder also talked about the difficulties he had to endure during the break he took to make sure his body was in the right motion. He said:
“I’m enjoying my cricket right now and that is more important. A lot of time goes behind the scenes with my preparation to ensure my body is alright. Because I took a long break, I wanted to make sure my rhythm was alright and it is,
He added: “That was a conscious decision taken by myself when I decided that I wanted some time off from the game. When I can’t enjoy the game, there’s no point of Hardik Pandya playing. For me, it was about the effort and the intensity. When I got that, it felt very satisfying.”
Hardik’s Return In Test Format?
Furthermore, Hardik was asked about his future plans and whether he is looking forward to donning India’s Test jersey once again. Responding to the question, Pandya came up with a simple answer. He said that his focus is on playing and performing in the two World Cups – the 2021 T20 World Cup and the 2023 ODI World Cup. 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 that is important,”
He added: “When Tests will come, definitely. What to play, only time will tell, but right now it is about giving my 100 per cent and if I don’t, then I’ll go out. I won’t take someone’s place,”
