Ace all-rounder Hardik Pandya played a blistering unbeaten innings of 59 and took one wicket in his comeback match to guide India to a 101-run victory over South Africa in the first T20I of the five-match series at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack.
In the post-match presentation, Pandya said:
“I had to back my shots. At the same time, I realised that the wicket had a bit of spice. You had to be a little gutsy, and it was more about timing the ball, not trying to break it. I was very satisfied with the way I was batting.”
Pandya was injured during the 2025 Asia Cup and was ruled out of the Australia series and the ODIs against South Africa. On Tuesday, he came out to bat in the 12th over after the dismissal of Tilak Varma and was involved in three small but useful partnerships to take India to a strong score of 175/6 in their 20 overs. The 32-year-old’s knock came off 28 balls, including six fours and four sixes, at a strike rate of 210.71.
Making his comeback for the first time since the Asia Cup, Pandya also spoke about his recovery period:
“I think the last six or seven months have been really amazing from a fitness standpoint. I don’t make a big deal about the hard work that goes into it, but at the same time, these last 50 days — being away from your loved ones, spending time at the NCA, making sure everything is covered — have been tough. It’s very satisfying when you come here and the results follow.”
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