It matters what India wants - Hardik Pandya on his all-round show against South Africa

India rode high on Hardik Pandya’s all-round brilliance to survive an early scare and register a dominant 101-run win against South Africa in the T20I series opener. Despite losing out on early wickets, Pandya emerged as the messiah, blasting an unbeaten 59 off just 28 balls, smashing six fours and four sixes in the process.

He secured the Player of the Match award for his extraordinary performance in the curtain-raiser of the series. Talking at the post-match presentation, Pandya opened up on the fact that backing his shots worked out wonders for him. He also underlined the kind of work that he has put behind the scenes in his recovery from the injury which was copped during the Asia Cup.

Shedding light about his innings, Hardik said, “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.”

Revealing details about his recovery, Pandya said, “I think the last six or seven months have been really amazing from a fitness standpoint. 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.”

He also opened up about his role, stating, “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.”

Pandya concluded by talking about the 12-run over against Keshav Maharaj which eventually set the tempo in place, stating, “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.”