Did Hardik Pandya earn the ‘Impact Player of the Match’ medal after the Oman clash?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Hardik Pandya awarded ‘Impact Player’ medal.
- Outstanding catch against Oman.
- Team India's strong performance in Asia Cup.
- Recognition highlights importance of teamwork.
- Next matches against Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.
Abu Dhabi, Sep 20 (NationPress) Team India all-rounder Hardik Pandya was honored with the ‘Impact Player’ medal for his exceptional fielding display during the recent Asia Cup match against Oman.
The cricketer from Baroda showcased remarkable fielding skills, executing a stunning catch near the boundary to dismiss Aamir Kaleem, the opposition's opening batsman, who had scored a commendable 64 runs off 46 balls, applying pressure on the Men in Blue.
Harshit Rana, who joined the playing XI after missing the first two matches, bowled an off-cutter that Kaleem attempted to sweep over deep third man, but failed to make proper contact. Pandya's athleticism shone as he completed an impressive running catch at the boundary.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shared a video of their medal ceremony, a tradition they uphold after each match or series, where head coach Gautam Gambhir invited training assistant Dayanand Garani to announce the winner.
Upon receiving the award, Pandya expressed, “As a group, we performed well today. We faced challenges like the heat, yet everyone contributed. Looking forward to the next match on the 21st; let’s focus on the game at hand. Good luck to all.”
Pandya further dedicated the medal to Garani and his team, placing it around his neck, saying, “This medal is for you, Daya, as a token of appreciation for the effort you put into our fielding training.”
The Men in Blue are geared up to commence their Super Fours campaign in the Asia Cup, facing their arch-rivals Pakistan first, followed by matches against Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. The top two teams from the points table will compete in the final.