This Is Why Hardik Pandya Was Wearing Mumbai Indians' Gloves During First ODI Against Australia

Hardik Pandya further elevated his stature as one of the most exciting allrounders in the world with yet another decisive display against Australia in the first One-Day International on Sunday (September 17). The hard-hitting allrounder walked to bat when India were reeling at 87 for 5. However, he soon turned the game into India’s favour with a whirlwind knock off 83 runs off just 66 balls as he added 118 runs with MS Dhoni to help India recover from a disastrous start to post a challenging 281 for 7 in the allotted 50 overs.

His stunning knock was studded with 5 fours and 5 sixes including the over when he hit Adam Zampa for a four and 3 sixes on the four consecutive deliveries. After his batting performance, he made a big impression with the ball by taking 2 quick wickets including the prized scalp of Steve Smith to set the tone for India’s win. The Men in Blue went on to restrict the visitors to 137 for 9 to win the game by 21 runs (DLS method).

Meanwhile, the fans an interesting thing when Pandya came out to bat. Rather than donning the usual gloves of the Indian team, the right-handed batsman came out wearing the gloves of his Indian Premier League team Mumbai Indians.

Pandya wearing @mipaltan gloves. Dhoni back in Chepauk. Both playing for @BCCI. Unity in diversity. @IPL for the win. ?#INDvAUS

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) September 17, 2017

https://twitter.com/KunalHasArrived/status/909380083768549377

Well, Pandya had once said how playing for Mumbai Indians changed his life and perhaps playing in the franchise’s gloves is his way to pay tribute to the team.

“At Mumbai Indians, they just wanted me to enjoy my game and I was just a young kid expressing himself, and who eventually got success. I was getting used to the fame. No one knew who Hardik Pandya was before 2015 IPL. I got picked for Rs 10 lakh. If people knew me I would have got a lot more money, not that it’s only about the money. I was from a struggling family. Well, we had a good family and then things changed, father’s health and all had a grave effect. That helped us. Where we are standing now is because of that situation. It is because how we coped with that,” Pandya had said in an interview to Indian Express.