"It Matters What India Wants": Hardik Pandya's Bold Claim After Match-Winning Performance In 1st T20I
Hardik Pandya smashed an unbeaten 28-ball 59 and took a wicket as India thrashed South Africa by 101 runs in the first T20I in Cuttack.
Hardik Pandya's return to international cricket was nothing short of spectacular. After spending nearly six months on the sidelines nursing a quad injury, the dynamic all-rounder announced his comeback in style under the Cuttack lights. Walking in with India under pressure, Hardik's explosive 59 off 28 balls turned the tide and set the tone for a commanding win. More than just runs, it was a statement - of resilience, clarity, and his unwavering commitment to putting the team first.
Hardik Pandya's Comeback: A Statement Under the Lights
Six months away from competitive cricket can test any player's patience - and Hardik Pandya felt every bit of that wait. So when he finally stepped back onto the field, fully fit and brimming with intent, he promised himself this return would matter. Under the floodlights at Cuttack's Barabati Stadium, he delivered on that promise.
Walking in at No. 6 with India wobbling, Hardik unleashed a blistering 59 off just 28 balls, flipping the script and reminding everyone why he's still India's ultimate T20 game-changer.
India's Big Win, Hardik's Bigger Impact
If India wanted a bold start to the T20 series, Hardik provided it in style. A 101-run thrashing of South Africa, a Player-of-the-Match award, and an all-round performance that underlined his value in crunch moments.
The innings wasn't just brute force. Hardik read the pitch, sensed the challenge, and backed his instincts.
"I had to trust my shots... it needed a bit of courage," he reflected later, sounding every bit the player who thrives under pressure.
Despite the scoreboard suggesting raw power, Hardik insisted it was about precision.
"It was timing, not trying to break the ball. I was very happy with how I batted."
The Personal Battle Behind the Scenes
This knock carried extra weight. Months of rehab, a quadricep injury, and long spells at the NCA had tested him.
"These last 6-7 months have been amazing for my fitness," he said. "I don't talk much about the hard work... but being away from family, spending 50 days at the NCA - when results come like this, it feels worth it."
'This is my biggest USP'
Then came the usual question for an all-rounder: new ball or later? Pandya didn't fuss.
"As a cricketer, I've never been fussy about roles. It doesn't matter what Hardik Pandya wants. It matters what India wants."
"I've always put my team first, the nation first... that's my biggest USP," he said.
On a night when South Africa were flattened by wobble seam, smart variations and sharp fielding, it was Hardik, the ultimate T20 game changer who shaped the storyline - with bat, ball, attitude, and clarity.
Hardik Pandya
India Cricket Team