Hardik Pandya Made A Heart-Winning Statement For Captain Rohit Sharma: After kickstarting the three-match ODI series against England with a stunning 10-wicket win over the opposition, the Indian cricket team faltered in the second game. However, the Men in Blue made a solid return in the series decider. It was a do-or-die game and the Indian player outplayed England in every way.
While Rishabh Pant stole the show with his crazy batting performance in the second innings, which helped the Indian side complete the thrilling chase, but it was the amazing performance by Hardik Pandya with the ball that kept the Three Lions in check in the first innings.
The Indian bowlers put up a stellar show to restrict England to the target, but the destroyer-in-chief was Hardik Pandya, who registered his career-best figures of 4/24.
Hardik Pandya started the game by picking all the important wickets of Jason Roy, followed by all-rounder Ben Stokes‘ scalp, and then Liam Livingstone. All three players were looking great on the crease. However, the most crucial wicket that Pandya took was of captain Jos Buttler who top scored with 60 runs.
Hardik Pandya Hailed Rohit Sharma
Meanwhile, speaking to the commentators in the mid-innings break, Hardik Pandya was all praises for captain Rohit Sharma for managing his workload rightly. He also spoke about how he used the short ball as his weapon in the 1st innings. He said:
“I had to bend my back a bit, change my plans and realise you need to use the short ball as a wicket-taking ball. I always fancy my bouncer. Livingstone likes to take the short ball on and that gives me goosebumps. He hit me for two sixes, but one wicket made a big difference. The body’s fine, the captain is fantastic at managing my workload. The chase is about intent, the wicket is pretty good to bat on. We’ll fancy our chances to chase it down,”
Hardik Won The Player Of The Series Award
Later, while chasing the target of 259 runs, Hardik Pandya played a crucial knock of 71 runs off 55 balls, including 10 fours. His knock helped the Indian side defeat England and later he was adjudged the player of the series award for his all-around performance in the series.
Speaking at the post-match presentation, Hardik Pandya talked about his performance and explained how his partnership with Pant changed the game. He also praised Rishabh Pant for the way he finished the game. He said:
“White ball is something close to me. We all know such a good team England is. For us as a team it was important for us to come here, set out the plans what we’ll bowl. Important for me to stop the runs, bowl as many dot balls. They were cruising at one point. I love short balls. Don’t fancy people taking me on. Gets me into the game. Don’t mind getting hit for six sixes also if I can get a wicket. That’s his game as well, he takes his chances. I always feel I’m shameless as a bowler. Don’t care how far I get hit. We all know what talent he has. Finally today he was playing the situation. The partnership changed the game for us. The way he finished the game was also special.”
