Team India made a mockery of the run chase in the third T20I against New Zealand at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati on Sunday. Chasing 154 for victory, the hosts reached the target with 10 overs to spare, courtesy a blistering partnership between Abhishek Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav.
However, the comprehensive series win did not signal the end of the day’s work for star all-rounders Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube, who chose to push themselves even after the match had ended. As the post-match presentation was under way at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, the duo were already back in the middle, fine-tuning their power-hitting skills with throwdown specialists. Both Pandya and Dube remained focused on improvement, launching towering sixes during an impromptu practice session.
The BCCI shared a video of Hardik and Shivam’s power-hitting practice on X, accompanied by the caption: “Hard work doesn’t take a break. Focus on from Team India players in the nets right after a big win.”
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Focus from #TeamIndia players in the nets right after a big win #INDvNZ | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/l7s3XmhzJD
— BCCI (@BCCI) January 26, 2026
Hardik, in particular, did not have much to do with the bat in the ongoing series. He batted just once, in the first T20I, scoring 25 off 16 balls. He is currently the leading wicket-taker in the series with four wickets. In three matches so far, he has bowled eight overs, conceding 68 runs at an economy rate of 8.5. The lack of batting opportunities prompted him to spend extra time in the middle, especially with the match finishing early.
Following the 2024 T20 World Cup, Hardik cemented his status as a premier all-rounder, becoming the first Indian to complete the double of 1,000 runs and 100 wickets in T20Is. He carried that form into the 2025 season, including a 25-ball 63 against South Africa in the third T20I. Pandya’s post-World Cup performances have reinforced his reputation as a clutch performer, combining high-impact bowling with explosive finishing.
Dube, meanwhile, got opportunities to bat in the first two T20Is, and he played the perfect finisher’s role in the second game, scoring 36 not out off 18 balls alongside captain Suryakumar’s unbeaten 82 off 37 balls, as India chased down 209 in just 16 overs.
The scene after the Guwahati game perfectly captured the mindset within the Indian camp. Rather than resting on their laurels after outclassing the opposition, players like Hardik and Dube showed a clear intent to maximise every opportunity, even with the series already decided.
For Hardik, known for his explosive batting, and Dube, who has steadily developed into a reliable power-hitter, the extra practice served as a reminder that consistency at the highest level demands constant effort. For India to successfully defend their T20 World Cup title at home, both will have to play significant roles with bat and ball.
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