IPL 2025: Hardik Pandya's winning speech clears Mumbai Indians' position before Mega Auction

Hardik Pandya emerged as the Player of the Series after the Indian cricket team whitewashed Bangladesh in a three-match T20I series with a commanding 133-run win in the final game at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad on October 12.

The Indian all-rounder was outstanding with the bat throughout the three-match T20I series against the Bangladesh cricket team. The right-handed batter played a fiery knock of 47 runs off just 18 balls, studded with four boundaries and as many as sixes to help the Men in Blue post a mammoth 297/6 in the third and final T20I.

Hardik Pandya shines as Player of the Series in India's dominant 3-0 T20I sweep over Bangladesh

However, the Indian pacer returned wicketless at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, but Ravi Bishnoi’s three-wicket haul and Mayank Yadav’s two wickets ensured Team India’s massive win in the final game, as the hosts clinched the T20I series 3-0 against Bangladesh after winning the Test series 2-0 at home.

Before this third and final T20I in Hyderabad, Hardik played a quickfire cameo of unbeaten 39 runs off just 16 balls, featuring five fours and two sixes, and registered the figures of 1/26 in the first T20I against Bangladesh.

The 31-year-old all-rounder was equally impressive in the second T20I at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, where he scored another quick knock of 32 runs off 19 balls studded with two fours and as many as sixes against the Tigers.

He finished the T20I series as the second-highest run-scorer with 118 runs in three innings at an amazing strike rate of over 222 and won the Player of the Series award for his contribution to the Indian team’s 3-0 series win over the Bangladesh team.

Hardik Pandya credits Team India's positive atmosphere for stellar form

After India’s T20I series win, Hardik Pandya reflected on the atmosphere within the team that led to his stellar run. The Indian all-rounder emphasized how the positive environment created by the skipper Suryakumar Yadav and head coach Gautam Gambhir has empowered him and all the players, unlocking their full potential on the field.

The star Indian all-rounder further noted that the freedom and enjoyment in the game have fueled the Indian cricket team’s collective drive, with every player eager to contribute more.

Hardik Pandya said at the post-match presentation: "The kind of freedom the skipper and the coach have given, that has been fantastic to the whole group. That is coming to all the players who are playing. At the end of the day, this sport, if you can enjoy it, is the best way you can get the most out of yourself. When the dressing room is enjoying, when everyone's enjoying everyone's success, you feel like doing more. I think that has contributed a lot."

God has been kind to help me out: Hardik Pandya on his fitness

He attributed his success to his physical and mental strength, crediting his fitness and luck that kept him at the top of his game. Pandya also revealed that the memorable shot of his knock was over the covers left fans in awe.

Pandya signed off by saying, “Body has been fantastic, and God has been kind to help me out. The process continues; nothing changes. (Best shot today) Over the covers when I just chipped it.”