Hardik Pandya, a flamboyant Indian all-rounder feels that the ongoing T20I series against South Africa is the perfect platform for him to get prepared for the upcoming 2022 T20I World Cup. Hardik Pandya has returned to the Indian team for the first time after last year’s T20I World Cup. He took a short break from cricket after the tournament to regain his fitness.
The 28-year-old led Gujarat Titans to the title win in the recently concluded IPL 2022 and his imperious form landed him a place in India’s squad for the South Africa series.
Hardik Pandya Excited To Play For India Again
Hardik Pandya is excited to play in Indian colours again as he wants to display how hard he has worked during the short hiatus. Hardik Pandya scored an unbeaten 31 off 12 balls in the 1st T20I vs SA. The star all-rounder had taken an indefinite break from the game after the conclusion of the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 in November last year in order to rediscover his mojo with the ball.
“I am obviously very excited. Playing for the country has always been special. Coming after such a long break and coming back fresh gives me the opportunity to kind of show what exactly I’ve worked hard for. Doing well for the country is more important and it gives me immense pleasure.”
After spending the last two months as a middle-order batter where he enjoyed great success, many had doubts whether Hardik Pandya will be able to return with his best in the finisher’s role for India. The flamboyant all-rounder cleared everyone’s doubts with a blistering 12-ball 31* versus the Proteas. He showed glimpses of his stunning abilities with some quality shots against quality pacers like Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje.
Hardik Pandya Feels Ongoing India- South Africa T20I Series A Great Opportunity To Express Himself
Hardik Pandya feels that the South Africa series will be the perfect tune-up for him before the forthcoming 2022 T20I World Cup as he is looking forward to playing the finisher’s role again for the team.
“Every series or every game you play is as important as your last. For me, World Cup is the goal but this is the right platform to prepare for it. Cricket is going to come back to back so you always need to be in the rhythm. This series is a great opportunity for me to express myself. My roles will be changed, I won’t be the captain or batting higher up the order. This will be back to what Hardik has been known for,” he further added.
Hardik Pandya scored 487 runs in IPL 2022 at an average of 44.27 and a strike rate of 131.27. He also picked eight wickets at an economy rate of 7.28. Taking extra responsibility on the batting front at No. 3-4, Hardik Pandya topped the runs chart for Gujarat Titans.
He also filled in the fifth/sixth bowler’s capacity, taking 8 wickets with a healthy economy rate to dispel doubts around his bowling fitness. The right-arm seamer reserved his best for the last by delivering an impactful spell of 3 for 17 off his 4 overs in the final.