"God has given me 2 opportunities"- Hardik Pandya reminds Rohit Sharma why he's irreplaceable in team India

Published - 23 Jun 2024, 01:44 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 01:14 AM

Hardik Pandya, Ravi Shastri, India National Cricket Team, ICC T20 World Cup 2024
Ravi Shastri and Hardik Pandya (Credits: Twitter)

Hardik Pandya gave an impeccable batting show during the India vs Bangladesh match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 on Saturday, June 13. Hardik Pandya scored an unbeaten half-century in the match to capture maximum runs for India in the death overs.

After the match, Hardik Pandya had a chat with Ravi Shastri where he revealed his bowling tactics. He also added he has got a gift from god for being an all-rounder. Hardik Pandya jolted Bangladesh bowlers in the match with his 50 off 27 balls.

Hitting 3 sixes and 4 fours with his teammate in crime Shivam Dube, he helped the team to reach 196-5 in 1st innings. The target was almost out of reach for Bangladesh batters as they were bundled out for just 146-8 till the final ball.

Also Read: Watch: 'Frustrated' Virat Kohli absolutely dejected after Rishabh Pant throws away his wicket; scolds batter in dugout

God has given me two opportunities- bat and ball: Hardik Pandya

ICC shared a short video on their official Instagram page, where host Nikhil Uttamchandani had a chat with Hardik Pandya and former Indian Coach Ravi Shastri after the IND vs BAN game. During the chat, Pandya said god has given him two opportunities to bat and ball and he always tries to excel in both departments.

"Challenging at times in New York when we played, but at the same point of time, God has given me two opportunities, bat and ball. There I really enjoyed with my ball and as soon as the wickets got better, I was able to enjoy with the bat as well", he said.

Speaking about his bowling tactics, Pandya said he never tries to take wickets but bowls according to the situation of the match.

"Jasprit [Bumrah] and I were just talking about the fact, I don't really try to take wickets. I'm someone who likes to bowl good balls and see what is required for the team because I don't believe there is anything called your own performance in this sport", the right-arm seamer said.

"And if I'm being very honest, all the wickets which I've taken, I never tried to take a wicket. It was always about the fact that I bowled the right ball in the right situation. In that process, if you get it, yes", the 30-year-old further added.

Also Read: Watch: Rishad Hossain takes revenge as he castles Shivam Dube with a peach after getting hit for six

Talking about his batting, Pandya also said his previous knock against Afghanistan helped him to bring his confidence. The right-handed batsman slammed 32 against Afghanistan in an earlier game.

"And same with batting as well. Just making how the situation is and how many wickets we have lost. And just realized I think the last hit against Afghanistan kind of helped me with my confidence".

Hardik Pandya has been a gemstone for India in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 with his ability to bowl seam. He acts as the fourth seamer option for the side.

Bangladesh lost by 50 runs to India

Meanwhile, India demolished Bangladesh by 50 runs to win back-to-back games in ICC T20 World Cup 2024. Defeating Afghanistan and Bangladesh in the Super 8 round, India has gained a good lead to make it to the semis.

They will face Australia in their last and final game of the Super 8 round. India, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Australia are part of Group 1 and the top two teams in the points table will steal a spot in the semi-finals.

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