India vs Australia: “If the team wins, it’s the happiest feeling,” says Hardik Pandya after match-winning knock

India vs Australia: “If the team wins, it’s the happiest feeling,” says Hardik Pandya after match-winning knock
Hardik Pandya

India defeated Australia in a close encounter at the second T20I to claim an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series and clinch their 10th consecutive win in T20 cricket. The win was in large, thanks to Hardik Pandya‘s explosive knock towards the end of the second innings when the equation to win for the Men in Blue looked stiff. The all-rounder’s knock of 42 runs in 22 balls was the difference between the two sides.

Pandya has been in terrific form throughout the tour for India having come up with great knocks in the matches that he has been a part of, so far. Even in matches that he failed to get going, Pandya looked promising and set for a big knock before getting out while trying to accelerate. India would want Pandya to carry on the good form with the bat and get back to bowling soon so they can have a reliable 6th bowling option.

‘I was batting well throughout the IPL’

Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya spoke in a virtual press conference after the second T20I and spoke about his form saying, “I felt that throughout the IPL I was batting well. It’s just that when I feel it is my time to do it and the team wins, that’s the happiest [feeling]. It can be, it can not be as well [when asked if he is in the best batting phase of his career],” Hardik said.

“It’s just that it’s now getting highlighted because we’re always top-heavy. We’ve always seen India winning games when the top three score runs and I think this is for the first time we’ve got the opportunity where we have had to step it up and do it. And I think I am in a pretty good zone. I am not getting too overwhelmed with the situation. I am trying to keep it neutral. It’s my job which I just did well. Now with time I don’t think I am getting too excited about things,” he added.

On being asked about his absence in the Test setup, Pandya said, “It’s a different ball game, I think I need to be, I mean I don’t mind but at the end of the day, the call is on the management. So, yeah, I don’t think I can say much about it,“

India would want Pandya carry forward the same form into the 3rd T20I which is scheduled to take place on the 8th of December.

Also Read: India vs Australia: “Hardik Pandya is attacking as well as sensible,” says Harbhajan Singh