I’ll prioritise my batting and bowling equally: Hardik after winning the first T20I

He is one of the most famous cricket players in the world. In the inaugural Twenty20 international that took place at the Rose Bowl Cricket Ground, Hardik Pandya impressed with his play in all facets of the game against England. The great all-rounder spearheaded India’s aggressive batting effort by scoring his first T20I half-century with a magnificent innings of 51 runs scored off 33 balls. This was his first appearance in the Twenty20 International format. After India elected to bat first, his sensational innings assisted in the country’s posting of 198 runs for eight.

On Thursday, the first of three Twenty20 Internationals between India and England was played, and Hardik Pandya was a key factor in India’s overwhelming performance. 

Pandya became the first Indian to strike a half-century and take four wickets in the format, as India followed up their defeat to the hosts in the fifth and final Test with a polished 50-run victory at the opening of the white-ball portion of the trip. 

When Pandya was questioned about his performance after the game, he responded by saying that he valued his work with both the bat and the ball in an equal amount.

“I will give equal importance to my batting and bowling today. That 50 was important as well because we had lost wickets, but we maintained the momentum and we reached a good score. But the bowling bit will take more credit because that spell brought us in the game and made it difficult for England to stay in the game,” the in-form all-rounder said after the match.“ “For me, it was simple, what my team required and doing what I know. I believe the hard work pays off, my point is to prepare well, but the result is not in my control. Right now, all is coming off, today is a good day, and tomorrow might be bad. So, you don’t know, it is all about working hard, life goes on,” he added.

Pandya has had a fantastic year in white-ball cricket, guiding Gujarat Titans to the IPL title on his debut and then led India to victory in the T20I series against Ireland. 

So far so good for Pandya, who is savouring the rebirth of his limited-overs fortunes and isn’t concerned about recovering his place in the Test team in the immediate future.