He went to the point and came up with a special all-round effort as India won the match against Pakistan by five wickets on Sunday. Pandya (33 not out in 17) and Ravindra Jadeja (35 off 29) shared a 52-run partnership to take India to the pinnacle of victory. The star all-rounder’s three fours off Haris Rauf in the 19th over effectively sealed the game for India.
In a post-match presentation, Hardik Pandya said, “My plan in bowling is simple. It’s important to assess the conditions and situations and use the weapons – tough length is my strength. I use it wisely, doubting the batsmen.” I create and tell them to play the wrong shot.
In all these years batting, I have realized that if I stay calm, I can execute my plans. The 50-50 chances I take, if I stay calm, I can do it my way.”
Hardik Pandya also said, “I always knew there was a guy who was making his debut and was a left-arm spinner. I guessed my chances. Even if 15 runs were needed in the last over, I would have imagined my chances. I try to keep my mind clear. I know the bowler is under more pressure to bowl the 20th over. It’s not a matter of ego. Just that spinner and all. ,
Pakistani captain Babar Azam said
Pakistan captain Babar Azam said, ‘We were a few runs short but we came back to our bowling. Our fast bowlers were good. Dhani stepped up (with the bat) and he bowled well too. Unfortunately, we couldn’t finish.”
In the last over bowled by the left-arm spinner, he explained, “We were trying to take it deep. He bowled well and Hardik finished it well. Naseem was very good, the way he bowled and showed his aggression.
What did Rohit Sharma say on the team’s victory?
The winning captain, Rohit Sharma was excited and said, “We knew that faith was always in our group. Whatever the situation, we can overcome it. These things can happen quite often in sports. We can push the game like this. We believe in quality of players. We want to give enough clarity on what they can do in between. It was challenging but I would rather win this way than win unilaterally.
The bowlers have been getting better in the last few months. It is about giving them the confidence to do what they are expected to do. Yes, they got a bit of a challenge but overcoming them will give them confidence. Ever since Hardik Pandya made his comeback, his performance has been phenomenal. His IPL was great. When he was out of the team, he entered a fitness regimen, figured out what to do with his body, now hits 140kmph, and has been fantastic for us. ,
The Indian captain also said, “He is a very calm, confident youngster, knows what he wants to do. He knows what kind of fields he wants. very confident. Can bowl fast – the bouncer he bowled today. It’s about understanding the game—and he does so now. He was calm in taking the team forward. High pressure game, 10 runs per over, and there are times when one can panic but he didn’t. ,