2017 in so many ways has turned out to be Hardik Pandya’s year. Be it with the bat or with the ball, the star all-rounder has been extremely impressive in all fields of the game. If you thought that his heroics in Chennai were just a one-off measure, then you were grossly mistaken. Playing an impeccable knock after being promoted at number 4, Pandya ensured that he won India the game, and ultimately seal the series.
It was surprising to see Pandya slate in at number four once Ajinkya Rahane was dismissed, but not even for a moment did Pandya look uncomfortable. Against Ashton Agar though, his willow emitted fire as he slammed the slow left-arm spinner for an array of colossal sixes.
Despite a middle-order stutter during the chase, Pandya held his end and made sure that he was around to see the side through. Along with Manish Pandey, the all-rounder did his job and took India past the line. His knock of 78 was simply superb from the team’s point of view.
Pandya was named the Man of the Match for his knock, and he spoke about the opportunity presented to him, in the form of the promotion.
“It feels good, but couldn’t finish the match. I saw the promotion as an opportunity than a surprise. I wanted to target the left-arm spinner,” said Pandya.
The all-rounder concluded by mentioning that for him, there was always the scope for improvement.
“When I got the sixes, I knew that I can play a few dot balls as well. I try to contribute in every way I can. I want to get better, there’s always scope for improvement,” said Pandya.