Indian cricket team vice-captain Hardik Pandya has posted a powerful message on social media as India gets ready for the third T20I against South Africa. The series is currently tied at 1-1 after India's loss in the second T20. Pandya's caption, "Centurion. We've got a job to do," reflects the team's determination to win in the upcoming match. Meanwhile, India captain Suryakumar Yadav has praised spinner Varun Chakaravarthy's performance in the previous match and looks forward to the remaining two matches with excitement.
On the tour of South Africa, middle-order batsman and medium-pace bowler Ramandeep Singh was rewarded with his maiden call-up to the Indian T20I squad. After being on the bench for the first two matches, he finally got to make his T20I debut in the third game at Centurion. Ramandeep's impressive performances in domestic and IPL cricket earned him a spot in the national team's lineup. His power-hitting lower down the order for Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2024 caught the attention of selectors and led to him being retained for the IPL 2025 season for a whopping INR 4 crores.
In the third and final T20I between India and Bangladesh, Sanju Samson scored his maiden T20I century and was awarded Player of the Match. However, it was his teammate Hardik Pandya who clinched the Player of the Series award with his incredible all-round performance. Despite scoring 111 runs in the last match and finishing as the second-highest run scorer in the series, Samson lost out on the award to Pandya. The decision sparked controversy and debate among cricket fans.
The Indian cricket team proved their dominance once again as they beat Bangladesh by 86 runs in the second T20I of the series. Hardik Pandya's impressive all-round performance, including scoring 32 runs and taking a breathtaking catch, was not enough to secure him a spot as a bowler in the game. Captain Suryakumar Yadav explained that the decision was made to give other bowlers an opportunity to showcase their skills, a strategic move that paid off with an overall strong performance from the team.
India will face Bangladesh in the second T20I of the three-match series with a chance to clinch the series with another strong performance. In the first match, India's bowlers, including debutant Mayank Yadav, contained Bangladesh to a low total of 127 runs. Indian batters Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma dominated with their explosive performances, while star all-rounder Hardik Pandya sealed the victory with a quickfire 39 runs off just 16 balls. Fans in India can catch the live action of the match on TV at 7:00 PM IST from Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.
Natasa Stankovic and Hardik Pandya, who recently announced their separation, came together to celebrate their son Agastya's birthday. The ex-couple shared heartfelt posts on social media, showing their love for their son. This gesture proves that, despite their separation, they are still coming together to co-parent and shower love on their son. Fans have also joined in to send their love and best wishes for Agastya's special day.
After India's victory in the T20 World Cup, Hardik Pandya and Rohit Sharma shared a touching moment on the field, with the skipper even planting a kiss on Pandya's cheek. In his post-match reaction, Pandya opened up about his struggles and praised outgoing coach Rahul Dravid. Meanwhile, Rohit lauded Pandya's contribution in the final, where India beat South Africa to clinch their second T20 World Cup title.
India's batting unit put up a united front to secure a 50-run victory over Bangladesh, capturing their fifth win in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024. Despite individual brilliance from Hardik Pandya, Sharma credited the collective effort of the team for their success. Pandya, who also took the wicket of Bangladeshi opener Litton Das, reflected on the challenges he had to overcome since leaving the 2023 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup due to injury. Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto acknowledged his team's lack of intent in chasing a big target like 197 runs.
As the T20 World Cup enters the Super 8 stage, the Indian team is confident in its ability to adapt to the conditions ahead of its match against Afghanistan. The pitch at Kensington Oval may favor India's batters, who will look to take advantage after being constrained in earlier games. Players like Suryakumar Yadav and Rishabh Pant will aim to showcase their skills against spin bowling, with India possibly making changes to its lineup to best utilize the conditions.
Despite a lackluster batting performance from the rest of the team, all-rounder Hardik Pandya stepped up in a crucial match for Team India against Bangladesh in the T20 World Cup. His unbeaten half-century, consisting of 4 fours and 3 sixes, helped India reach a formidable total of 196/5 in their 20 overs. Pandya's class and finesse proved to be the difference maker in a match where all other batsmen failed to make a significant impact. With this win, India stands a strong chance to secure a spot in the semifinals.