Hardik Pandya opens up after stunning comeback knock in 1st T20I vs South Africa, says…

India’s star all-rounder Hardik Pandya said, I was very satisfied with my batting. Returning to international cricket after recovering from a quadriceps injury, Pandya smashed six fours and four sixes to lift India to 175 for six.

“I had to back my shots. I realised the wicket had a bit of spice. I had to be a bit gutsy. It was more about timing the ball, not breaking the ball. I was very satisfied with the way I was batting,” he said.

Pandya had missed tours to Australia and the ODIs against South Africa after sustaining a left quadriceps injury during the Asia Cup in September.

“The last six-seven months have been great from my fitness point of view. These last 50 days, being away from loved ones, being at NCA, making sure that all these things are covered. It was satisfying when you come here, the results come like this.”

On not bowling in the powerplay, Pandya said: “As a cricketer, I have never been fussy about what roles I have in the game. I have always been motivated to make sure that it doesn’t matter what Hardik Pandya wants, it is about what India wants.

“The mindset helps me. I have always tried to put my team first. That is my biggest USP and that is what has helped me.”

India skipper Suryakumar Yadav also praised Hardik Pandya for his all-round contribution and explained why he was not used with the ball in the powerplay.

“I think Arshdeep and Bumrah were the perfect bowlers in the powerplay. Hardik coming back later on, him coming back from injury we had to take care of him,” Suryakumar said during the post-match presentation.

The second India vs South Africa T20I is scheduled for December 11 in Mullanpur.

( With PTI Inputs )