India vs Australia: “It was a team effort,” says ‘Man of the Series’ Hardik Pandya

India vs Australia: “It was a team effort,” says ‘Man of the Series’ Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya was awarded the ‘Man of the Series’ award in the T20I series against Australia. In a closely contested 3-match series, India emerged victorious in the first two matches but fell short in the 3rd match. Pandya shone in all three matches and was hence awarded the award although T Natarajan was a prime contender as well.

Pandya got a great start in the first T20I at the Manuka Oval before he led his side to victory with a scintillating display of power-hitting at the Sydney Cricket Ground. He looked set to replicate the same in the 3rd T20I as well as he teed off quite early but Adam Zampa outfoxed him to have him edge one to third-man and prevent the same. Pandya will now return home as he is not a part of the Test squad with the Tests scheduled to begin on December 17.

‘I’m very pleased and don’t mind getting this award’

Hardik Pandya
Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya spoke at the post-match presentation after being awarded the Man of the Series and credited the team saying, “I’m very pleased, and wouldn’t mind getting the Man of the Series award, but it was a team effort. After the 2nd ODI we thought we’d think of this this a 4-match series and we managed to get three wins, so happy with that.”

“I don’t mind giving interviews because you only have those when you’re on the winning side. I haven’t seen my child for four months, so I’d like to spend some time with family right now,” he added with the latter remark coming after Shane Warne asked him if he fancies staying and playing in the Test series.

Also Read: India vs Australia: “The middle over phase cost us,” says Virat Kohli after 3rd T20I loss