WATCH: Hardik Pandya chanting some ‘magical mantra’ moments before dismissing Imam-Ul-Haq? Video discloses the truth

Hardik Pandya got Imam-Ul-Haq caught behind.

WATCH: Hardik Pandya chanting some ‘magical mantra’ moments before dismissing Imam-Ul-Haq? Video discloses the truth

Did Hardik Pandya chant magical mantra to get a wicket during India vs Pakistan (Images via X)

The much-anticipated match of the 2023 ODI World Cup, India vs Pakistan got underway at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Saturday. India captain Rohit Sharma opted to bowl first after winning the toss and his bowlers backed the decision. While Mohammed Siraj got rid of Abdullah Shafique, Hardik Pandya dismissed Imam-Ul-Haq. However, more than the dismissal, what happened before it caught more attention. 

After Haq was caught behind while throwing his bat at an away-going delivery, a video showed Hardik Pandya whispering something while looking at the ball. This tempted the Pakistani fans to claim that Pandya chanted some magical mantra before delivering the ball which resulted in Haq’s dismissal. 

YouTube video

“I dont believe In superstitions but didnt just hardik pray and blew something onto the bowl before this wicket ball,” claimed a Pakistani fan on X (formerly Twitter). A few others also joined and accused Pandya of doing some black magic. However, as it seemed, it was definitely not the case.

It can be seen from the video, that Pandya looks visibly frustrated after conceding a boundary on the previous ball. Hence, Pandya is cursing at the ball. On the next delivery, the India bowler corrects his mistake and bowls a tad fuller, tempting Imam-Ul-Haq to play a drive. The batter goes for it but does not play it close to the body and hence only manages an outside edge.

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Hardik Pandya thanks Imam-Ul-Haq

It was a rollercoaster ride for Hardik Pandya in just two deliveries. While after one delivery he was cursing himself, on the next one he was thanking Imam-Ul-Haq on the batter’s way back to the pavilion. After Pandya dismissed Imam, he waved at the Pakistani batter and said, “Thank you so much!”

Hardik-Pandya-sendoff
Hardik Pandya waves at Imam-Ul-Haq after dismissing him (Image via X)

With the help of this wicket, India managed to send back both Pakistan openers within 13 overs. However, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan stitched an 82-run partnership for the third wicket to bail Pakistan out of trouble. Babar Azam scored a half-century before Mohammed Siraj got him in his second spell.

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