Hardik Pandya, the allrounder who played swashbuckling unbeaten innings of 42 off 23 balls in 2nd T20I that helped India clinch the T20I series 2-0 vs Australia in Sydney, revealed that West Indies all-rounder Kieron Pollard who plays for Mumbai Indians in IPL alongside Hardik Pandya will always be his inspiration when it comes to finishing matches for his country and franchise.
Both Hardik Pandya and Kieron Pollard are really one of the great all-rounders performing consistently for Mumbai Indians and share similar skills on the field, from being good middle-order batsman to the outstanding fielder.
Hardik Pandya: Kieron Pollard Who Has Finished Many Matches For Country And Franchise Remains An Inspiration
Hardik Pandya scored 281 runs averaging 35.12 playing as a specialist batsman in IPL 2020 as he didn’t want to risk aggravating back injury. Kieron Pollard scored 268 runs averaging 53.6 in IPL 2020 and took 4 wickets after not bowling in last two seasons in 2018 and 2019. Hardik Pandya didn’t bowl for the first time since debuting in 2015.
“Pollard has done it many times for his country and franchise, for me, the inspiration will always be him, I have been lucky to see some of his knocks in the past. We have all played cricket in the IPL, in franchise cricket we need to step it up as it is a professional sport, in international cricket, the love for cricket comes and you do feel pressure in international cricket. People have carried the confidence from IPL, I was batting well in the IPL and during the lockdown, I planned on how to finish the matches,” Hardik Pandya said during the post-match press conference.’
IPL is a platform where different players from different countries come together and play for a franchise representing an Indian state or city. Hardik Pandya said he carried his confidence after a successful stint in IPL 2020 where he batted well.
Hardik Pandya: It Is My Job To Finish Matches
Hardik Pandya said his performances have been highlighted recently as the top three batsmen have often scored runs. Still, after their inconsistency in Australian conditions, the all-rounder stepped up with the bat and delivered some outstanding performances, emerging as India’s highest run-scorer in ODI series and 2nd highest Indian run-scorer after KL Rahul in T20Is that followed the ODI series.
“I have batted in this manner in the past as well, it is just that my performances are getting highlighted now, we have always been top-heavy and the top three score runs most of the time, I think this is the first time where we have got the opportunity to step it up and do it, I think I am in a very good zone and I am not getting overwhelmed with the situation, it is my job to finish the matches and I did it well tonight. I am not getting too excited about things,” Hardik Pandya added.
Hardik Pandya scored two 90’s in ODIs before scoring a match-winning unbeaten 42 in 2nd T20I as India have gained an unassailable lead of 2-0 with one T20I remaining.