Irfan Pathan, a former Indian cricket player, has publicly praised Hardik Pandya‘s performance in his comeback match for India. In the first Twenty20 International of the five-match series, Hardik’s undefeated 28-ball 59-run knock helped India to a respectable total of 175/6 in their 20 overs on December 9.
Irfan praised Hardik for attacking the South African spinners right away. The former all-round player credited the Men in Blue’s star all-rounder with making the difference between a score that was below average and one that was ultimately more than competitive enough.
“Hardik Pandya didn’t seem to be recovering from an injury based on the way he batted.
He appeared to be in peak shape. He played powerful shots against spinners right immediately and appeared in control for 75–90% of the time. One of Pandya’s strengths is that when the length is full, he takes the big shots. In a video posted to his YouTube account, Irfan said, “He also batted with control against pace bowling that clocked beyond 150 and his innings was the difference.”
Hardik Pandya hit four sixes and six fours throughout his knock. After being asked to bat first by Aiden Markram at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack, he scored his sixth T20I fifty in style and was the primary factor in India’s victory.
Hardik Pandya final score was more than any other Indian hitter could muster. Later, the hosts established a 1-0 lead and won by an overwhelming 101-run margin thanks to their clinical use of the ball. Hardik also contributed with the ball, taking out David Miller despite giving up 16 runs in his two overs.
A few months prior, Hardik had suffered a left quadriceps injury during India’s journey to the Asia Cup championship. After a long absence from competitive cricket, he most recently represented Baroda in the current Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Hardik Pandya performance will be crucial to India’s performance at the international competition as the T20 World Cup approaches.
India
