Hardik Pandya recently led Gujarat Titans to the IPL title, led India for the first time against Ireland, and came up with another fine performance against England in the first T20I at Ageas Bowl, Southampton. No doubt the all-rounder is enjoying his cricket as he is playing at the top of his game.
Pandya scored a fine knock of 51 runs off just 33 balls with the help of six fours and one six. The right-hander was able to hit the ground running as he scored a boundary on the second ball he faced.
The all-rounder timed the ball to perfection and got regular boundaries against the England bowlers. Pandya has been in amazing form since the start of the IPL and he is carrying it forward with aplomb.
Furthermore, Pandya bowled the hard length, seam-up deliveries close to 140 km/h. As there was good bounce on the surface, Pandya returned with impressive figures of 4-33 and thus became the first Indian batter to score a fifty and take four wickets in a T20I game. Pandya dismissed Dawid Malan and Liam Livingstone in his first over and then also dismissed Jason Roy.
Thus, Pandya came up with an all-around show and played a key role in India’s win. The all-rounder said that the break he took from cricket after the T20 World Cup 2021 really helped and he wants to make the most of his opportunities.
Pandya provides a great balance to the Indian team as an all-rounder, especially while playing in overseas conditions. The 28-year-old was awarded the Player of the Match for his fine performance against England.
He said in the post-match presentation, “The last time I played a T20 in England, I think I took 4 wickets and scored some 30. So I kind of knew I was the first Indian to score fifty and take 4 wickets. I am enjoying my cricket right now. For me a lot of time goes into the preparation to get my body ready. The kind of break I took before this run of play I want to capitalize on the opportunities. I felt I needed that break. It is about giving your 100% and when you don’t do that, there is no point playing. So I needed that break and now I am happy to be in this place right now.”
Pandya will look to continue the good form and there is no doubt he is a vital cog in India’s white-ball team. The all-rounder has grown in confidence after performing well in the IPL.
The second T20I between England and India will be played at Edgbaston, Birmingham on Saturday.
