SA vs IND 2018, 1st Test: Harbhajan Singh Lauds Hardik Pandya After Cape Town Heroics

Veteran off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has lavished praise on Hardik Pandya after the India all-rounder’s stunning show with both bat and ball on the second day of the ongoing Test against South Africa in Cape Town.

India had their back against the wall when Pandya came to the crease. Pandya joined Ravichandran Ashwin when Indian was reeling at 76 for five and soon got reduced to 92 for seven. With South Africa pacers looking in their elements, Pandya was tested to the fullest early on.

However, the right-handed batsman, who was playing his first Test in South Africa, managed to keep his wicket safe and launched a stunning counter-attack to put the Proteas firmly on the backfoot.

Unlike his teammates, Pandya did not take a cautious approach and took the attack to the hosts. He raced away to his second Test fifty off just 46 balls. In a session where India was reduced to 92 for seven from 76 for five, he scored 81 off only 68 deliveries. Pandya went on to miss a well-deserved century by just seven runs, but his knock not only saved India from embarrassment but also helped them claw their way back into the game.

The day only became memorable when he took two wickets to help India finish the day strongly. South Africa openers – Dean Elgar and Aiden Markram – had given the hosts a strong start by sharing a fifty-plus stand before Pandya removed both of them in quick succession, as the Proteas finished the day on 65 for two.

Pandya has been flooded with praise from all quarters and Harbhajan also followed suit. The out-of-favour India spinner took to Twitter to laud his Mumbai Indians teammate, writing:

“Well done @hardikpandya7 great intent, approach, fighting spirit. This inn will give you lots of confidence..Good to see you r chipping in with ball as well by taking those 2 wickets.. keep going..guys let’s do it tom @BCCI #INDvSA”

Well done @hardikpandya7 great intent,approach,fighting spirit.. This inn will give you lots of confidence..Good to see you r chipping in with ball as well by taking those 2 wickets.. keep going..guys let’s do it tom @BCCI #INDvSA

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) January 6, 2018

Here is the news feed:

SA v India 2018: Dale Steyn Ruled Out Of India Test Series

SA vs IND 2018: Hardik Pandya Keeps India in Hunt on Day Two at Newlands

Catch India’s tour to South Africa here.

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