Hardik Pandya conjured a very special performance with the bat in the T20I series finale as India posted a monumental total on the board. Pandya smashed 63 off just 25 balls, rocking five fours and five sixes. Even with the ball, he proved to be instrumental, claiming the crucial wicket of Dewald Brevis.

Pandya became India’s second-fastest half-centurion in T20Is, hammering a maximum to bring up his fifty within just 16 balls. The all-rounder bagged the Player of the Match award for his clinical all-round performance. Talking at the post-match presentation, Pandya opened up on his feelings after India secured the series, while underlining the importance of risk-taking which eventually reaped handsome dividends.

Pandya said, “Winning games is what you play for and it’s always exciting when your contribution helps the team get over the line. No, I actually didn’t know (he has the second fastest fifty for India) until I got out and went back. Our social media guys told me I was the second-fastest. My first reaction was, “Ah, I missed the top spot!” But happy that Yuvi pa holds that record.”

Shedding light on his incredible outing, Pandya said, “Today I just felt it. I actually told my partner beforehand that I was going to step out first ball and try to hit it for six. I was confident it would come off. The situation suited my style; I backed myself and it worked.”

He further added, “I took a calculated risk and thankfully it went my way. I’ve always enjoyed the challenge. No matter how many setbacks you face, the aim is to come back stronger, better, and make a bigger impact. When it all comes together, it feels satisfying. But the journey continues - the preparation, the planning, the hard work never stops.”