Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya has revealed Rahul Dravid’s advice after he suffered a horrible ankle injury in the 2023 World Cup. Pandya had to undergo the knife and recently returned to action in IPL 2024. But, the all-rounder could not deliver the goods while leading Mumbai Indians.

However, Pandya has been at his best with both bat as well as the ball in the ongoing T20 World Cup. The right-hander scored a fine knock of 50 runs off just 27 balls against Bangladesh in the Super 8 stage of the T20I showpiece at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, North Sound, Antigua on Saturday.

Thus, he helped India in posting a par score of 196 runs on the board after the Men in Blue were put into bat by Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto. Pandya scored four fours and three maximums in his attacking knock. Furthermore, he dismissed Bangladesh opener, Litton Das with the slower ball.

Pandya was awarded Player of the Match for his all-round performance. He revealed his bowling plans and said he wanted the batters to hit against the wind.

After India’s comprehensive win of 50 runs, Pandya said, “We have played really good cricket. More than anything we have stuck together and executed our plans. I did realise the batters wanted to use the breeze, I made sure I did not give them a chance where the wind was blowing, it was about being one step ahead as a batter. We as a group can get better in a lot of places, losing wickets in bunches is something we can rectify and get better at, apart from that, we are looking good. I have been fortunate to play for the country, it was a freak injury I had, I wanted to come back but God had other plans.”

Revealing Rahul Dravid’s wise words, Pandya concluded, “I was talking to Rahul [Dravid] sir the other day, and he said: Luck comes to people who work hard and that has stuck with me for a long time.”

With this win, India has got one foot in the semifinal’s door. India will next take on Australia at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium, Gros Islet, St Lucia on Monday.