Hardik Pandya
Hardik Pandya. Credits: BCCI

Hardik Pandya is finally showing the glimpses of the allrounder that India is craving for since ages. In the ongoing IPL, Pandya is showcasing his class with both bat and ball. Wednesday was just another example of it when he played a decisive role in Mumbai Indians’ comprehensive 37-run win over defending champions Chennai Super Kings.  Mumbai Indians entered the game on the back of two losses in three games and had their task cut out against the Super Kings who had won all of their opening three games.

Mumbai Indians looked primed to lose another after being reduced to 50 for 3. By the end of the 18th over, they had only scored 125 for 5 before Hardik Pandya arrived in the middle. And by the time the innings ended, Mumbai Indians raced away to 170 for 5 courtesy Pandya’s blistering cameo of 25 from 8 balls. The knock included 1 four and 3 sixes as he added 45 runs in the last two overs with Kieron Pollard.

IPL 2019: These Seven Months Weren't Easy, Says Hardik Pandya
Credits: BCCI

He then made his mark with the ball, picking up 3 for just 20 runs off his four overs. Chennai Super Kings had just recovered from a disastrous start and were 87 for 3 when Pandya dismissed the in-form MS Dhoni to put Mumbai Indians in the driver’s seat. In the same over, he accounted for Ravindra Jadeja before dismissing Deepak Chahar in the final over as Super Kings finished on 133 for 8.

Pandya deservedly won the Man of the Match and was a delighted man. Pointing out his recent spell on the sidelines due to injury and controversy, the Mumbai Indians star said that the last few months have not been easy.

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“It feels really good to help the team win and to contribute to it. It’s been seven months since I played much competitive cricket. Have batted and batted and batted in the nets. I am someone who loves to have game time and I am hitting them really well at the moment. Yes the injury happened and then the controversy too. These seven months weren’t easy and I wasn’t sure of what to do,” said Hardik Pandya.

“This award is special and I dedicate it to all those who stood by me during those tough times. My goal is to keep performing and hopefully, help India win the World Cup,” he added.

An avid cricket lover, I just love this game more than anything. Writing about cricket keeps me closer to the game.