IND vs PAK: Hardik Pandya Did A Fabulous Job, He Reignited As A Champion - Ravi Shastri

At the MCG, India fought back from being 31 for 4 to successfully chase down 160 against a strong Pakistan bowling attack thanks to a magnificent effort from Virat Kohli. In a 113-run stand with all-rounder Hardik Pandya that dashed Pakistan’s dreams, Kohli struck 6 boundaries and 4 sixes while maintaining his cool.

When India needed 48 off the final 3 overs and the asking rate increased above 15, Kohli and Hardik were unfazed. Haris Rauf, who had two spectacular sixes in the 19th over and was undoubtedly Pakistan’s best bowler on the day, was the target of Kohli’s onslaught.

Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri has credited Hardik Pandya for assisting Virat Kohli in the historic run-chase against Pakistan in the Super-12 game at the T20 World Cup 2022.

Hardik Pandya Plated A Massive Role: Ravi Shastri

Shastri believes that Hardik reignited the champion in Virat Kohli when the latter thought he was making a mess of it.

“I would mention Hardik Pandya here, he helped Virat to stay on the right track. Virat would later say that when he was on 11 from 21 balls, he thought he was “making a mess of it”.

“Hardik Pandya played a massive role. Cricket is a very lonely game when you are out in the middle, and the only companion you have is your non-striker.

“Hardik did a fabulous job. He reignited as a champion. In that cauldron of the match situation, you need a person to tell you in your ears simple stuff.

“I know Hardik for a long time; he won’t hold back. He will tell his partner what’s needed to be said. Same is true for Virat. This is the beauty of these two cricketers whom I love,“ Shastri said.

Being In The Right Frame Of Mind Helped Virat Kohli: Ravi Shastri

Shastri feels that it was really a pressure situation as the Men in Blue had to take down the Pakistani pacers who were very pacey and skilful. As Hardik was not able to hit big, Kohli stepped up with his big wrists.

A fresh mind allowed Virat Kohli to do what he did in the final overs of the game, which was possible due to the long month break he had to make him feel fresh again.

“And what a cauldron it was, what pressure. To win the match, they had to take down the Pakistani pacers who are fast, furious, and very skilful. We saw that Hardik wasn’t able to connect with his big hits. Kohli had to step up.

“That’s the time the wrist helps. And more importantly, the Green Man doesn’t intrude in your head to do something silly, stupid. It didn’t, and Kohli started to flow.

“Only a fresh mind would have allowed him to do what he did in those final 5 overs. What that month-long break did was to make him fresh again. Only a fresh clear mind would have allowed him to play this gem – without any unnecessary things floating: just a clear head.

“The one thing that was needed in his T20 game was to pace his innings better with strike rate as per the modern-day demands. That format has evolved. Once he saw the need, put his mind to it, he too evolved,” Shastri added.

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