A couple of days after hitting a 37-ball century, the all-rounder Hardik Pandya has played a blinder during the ongoing DY Patil T20 Cup 2020 semi-final. The hard-hitting batsman slammed unbeaten 158 runs. Thus, has proved that he has fully recovered from the injury because of which he was out of action for eight-odd months.
During home series against South Africa last year, he had resurfaced with a back injury. Pandya had undergone surgery – to get rid of the pain permanently. He then had to wait for a long time to recover. His fitness test was conducted ahead of the New Zealand tour but he could not past the test because of which he was not included in India’s squad.
So, he had to wait for the right time.
But his long absence from the game has not affected the all-rounder in the ongoing DY Patil tournament. He is impressing both with his bat and the ball.
DY Patil T20 Cup: Hardik Pandya scores unbeaten 158 off just 55 balls –
On Friday, playing for Reliance 1, he played a magnificent knock against BPCL in the semifinal of the tournament. His team was in trouble as they had lost their opener early with Shikhar Dhawan scoring just four runs.
However, Pandya’s batting exploits led the team to set a staggering total. He remained unbeaten and scored 158 runs off just 55 balls. He reached his century off just 39 balls. The big-hitting sensation struck staggering 20 sixes and six fours during his firing knock – to mount the pressure on the opposition.
Earlier this week, he had scored a 37-ball century against CAG. His knock included 10 gigantic sixes while eight fours. He also picked five-wicket for 26 in his fours overs in the same match.
Thus, he has cleared the selectors that he is fit and ready to play for India. He is set to make his entry in the team for the upcoming ODI series against South Africa which will commence from 12th March.