Cuttack, Dec 9 (NationPress) India’s all-rounder Hardik Pandya shone brightly during the team’s impressive 101-run victory against South Africa at the Barabati Stadium on Tuesday. Expressing his satisfaction, he acknowledged that his relentless efforts had yielded results. The Men in Blue showcased a commanding performance, establishing a 1-0 lead in the five-match T20I series, setting a positive tone for their T20 World Cup preparations.

While his teammates faced challenges in scoring big, Pandya delivered an extraordinary performance, scoring an unbeaten 59 runs off just 28 balls, propelling the team's total to 175/6 by the end of the first innings.

The Indian bowlers then took charge, restricting the opposition to a mere 74 runs, thus securing a comprehensive victory. Pandya also made his mark with the ball, claiming a wicket on his very first delivery. His outstanding contributions earned him the title of Player of the Match.

After receiving the award, Pandya shared, “I needed to trust my shots. At the same time, I recognized that the pitch had some bounce. You had to have a bit of courage, and it was more about timing rather than force. I felt very pleased with my batting. The last six or seven months have been remarkable in terms of fitness.”

He further added, “I don’t emphasize the hard work that goes into it, but spending the last 50 days away from loved ones at the NCA was fulfilling when the results came through.”

Pandya highlighted how he has always prioritized the nation and team over personal desires, describing this as his greatest unique selling point. He stated, “As a cricketer, I’ve never been particular about my role. My motivation lies in prioritizing India's needs over my own. Whenever I get the chance, I strive to deliver my best. Some days are successful, others aren’t, but maintaining the right mindset has been beneficial. Throughout my career, my focus has been on putting my team and country first. That’s my biggest USP, and it has always served me well.”

Pandya’s remarkable shot selection and the flurry of boundaries he hit captivated the audience during the first innings as he confidently challenged the bowlers. Reflecting on his approach against the Proteas bowlers, the captain of the Mumbai Indians said, “I had a feeling he (Maharaj) wouldn’t come closer to Axar. I didn’t plan it that way; I simply aimed for my opportunity. I took a calculated risk, and it paid off. I believe that gave us the rhythm and momentum we capitalized on. We were 20-25 runs ahead when those overs started. It’s all about gamesmanship, recognizing which bowler to target on that day. When it works, it looks impressive.”