India’s all-rounder Hardik Pandya is having the purple patch of his career. First, he led Gujarat Titans to IPL glory after leading from the front. Subsequently, he led the national team for the first time against Ireland in the two-match T20I series, and now he was awarded the Player of the Series against England in ODIs.
Pandya scored 100 runs in two innings at an average of 50 and a strike rate of 101.01. Furthermore, he took six wickets in three matches at an average of 12.33 and an economy rate of 4.35.
Pandya’s best all-around performance came in the third ODI at Old Trafford, Manchester on Sunday, which was a decider. The right-arm pacer first returned with figures of 4-24 in his seven overs, which is his best ODI bowling figures. Thus, he played an instrumental role in skittling out the opposition at 259 runs.
Subsequently, India found themselves behind the eighth ball at 72-4 in the run-chase. However, Rishabh Pant and Hardik Pandya bailed their team out of jail as they added 133 runs for the fifth wicket alliance.
Pandya was the aggressor in the partnership and took the pressure of Pant’s shoulders, who took his time in the early stage. Pandya went on to score 71 runs from 55 balls as he helped the visitors in getting close to England’s target.
Pandya revealed that he likes bowling short and doesn’t mind getting hit for runs if he can provide the breakthrough. All of Pandya’s four wickets on Sunday came off with short-pitched deliveries. Pandya tested England batters with his accuracy and pace and once again bowled with good rhythm.
The all-rounder got the better of Liam Livingstone after the right-hander had hit him for six on a short-ball. However, Pandya stuck to his guns and bowled another bumper to win the battle of egos against England’s hard-hitting batter.
Hardik Pandya said in the post-match presentation after he was awarded the Player of the Series, “White ball is something close to me. We all know how good a team England is. For us, as a team, it was important to come here, set out the plans for what we’ll bowl, and execute it. Important for me to stop the runs, and bowl as many dot balls. They were cruising at one point.”
He added, “I love short balls. Don’t fancy people taking me on. Gets me into the game. Don’t mind getting hit for six sixes also if I can get a wicket. That’s his (Livingstone) game as well, he takes his chances. I always feel I’m shameless as a bowler. Don’t care how far I get hit. We all know what talent he (Pant) has. Finally today he was playing the situation. The partnership changed the game for us. The way he finished the game was also special.”
India will tour West Indies for three ODIs and five T20Is.
