Hardik Pandya Shines in Difficult Conditions to Power India to Victory

The 1st T20I in Cuttack served as a reminder that a single player can transform a game. In a match where all batters were finding it hard to find a rhythm, Hardik Pandya gave an all-round performance that saw India win the match by a significant margin.

Returning to international cricket after more than two months, the all-rounder produced a commanding unbeaten 59 off 28 balls and followed it with a crucial strike with the ball, reinforcing his reputation as one of India’s most valuable T20 assets.

A Challenging Pitch, But Hardik Stands Tall

India’s top order struggled on the wet, slow pitch, where stroke play became extremely difficult. Abhishek Sharma was struck on the midriff by a delivery of Marco Jansen, Tilak Varma had timing problems, and both Shubman Gill and Suryakumar Yadav mis-timed simple shots that resulted in catches. What looked like a low-scoring struggle turned into a showcase of Hardik’s adaptability.

Most batters were unsure on the surface, but Hardik was not affected. His clean striking, sharp judgment, and clarity at the crease completely changed the innings. He struck four sixes more than the entire South African lineup and showed how far ahead he was.

Despite returning from a quadricep injury, his early shots, including two no-look sixes within four balls, showed no signs of rust. As Dale Steyn said on commentary, he was “frightened for his life,” a sentiment Anrich Nortje likely shared when Hardik drilled a 149kph delivery back past him before ramping another for six. That stroke also brought up Hardik’s 100th T20I six, making him the fourth Indian to reach the landmark after Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Virat Kohli.

Making an Impact with the Ball as Well

Walking in at 78 for 4, Hardik lifted India from a shaky position to a competitive 175 for 6, turning the momentum entirely. But he was not done. With the ball, he struck again by dismissing David Miller for 1, a blow that deepened South Africa’s troubles. 

Reflecting on his performance, Hardik explained his approach:

“I realised that the wicket had a bit of spice. I had to be a little bit gutsy, and it was more about timing the ball and not trying to break the ball.”

His all-round contribution earned him the Player-of-the-Match award and once again highlighted how transformative he is when fully fit.

Why Hardik Changes the Entire Balance of the Team

Hardik Pandya gives India a balance that very few teams can match. He can bat anywhere in the middle order, extend the batting depth to No. 8, and offer a sixth bowling option without affecting the balance. On certain surfaces, he can also take the new ball, especially when a spinner such as Kuldeep Yadav is playing instead of Arshdeep Singh in the XI.

The contrast in India’s performance with and without him is remarkable. India has also won 26 of their 29 T20Is since the beginning of 2024 with Hardik in the team. They have only nine wins, two losses, and two ties without him. His absence has hurt India in major moments, notably during the 2023 ODI World Cup and again in Melbourne this October when India were bowled out for 125.

Hardik’s mindset sums up his value:

“It does not matter what Hardik Pandya wants; it matters what India wants.”