Continuing his stellar run with the bat in India's tour 'Down Under', Pandya once again emerged as the game changer in India's six wicket win over Australia in the 2nd T20 at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on December 6.
Chasing a herculean 195-target at the SCG to win the game and clinch the series, Pandya once again proved to be the clinical finisher, hammering an unbeaten 42 off just 22 balls to play an instrumental role in India's successful run chase.
With the game going down till the last over, Pandya kept his composure and tonked two massive sixes off seamer Daniel Sams and took his team over the line. His finishing prompted Australia coach to compare the innings with the legendary MS Dhoni who guided India to several last-over wins.
Also Read | India vs Australia, 2nd T20I Highlights: Hardik Pandya Heroics Help India Beat Australia By 6 Wickets, Seal Series 2-0
Kaif Bats For Pandya's Inclusion In Indian Test Squad For 4-Match Test Series
Former Indian ODI specialist Mohammad Kaif lauded Pandya's performance and urged the team management to add the all-rounder to the Test squad for the upcoming Border Gavaskar series starting December 17.
Pandya made a return to international cricket following his nearly year long injury layoff that saw the all-rounder undergo a back surgery in London last year. He was expected to make a comeback during the tour of New Zealand earlier this year but could not do so due to lack of full match fitness.
Pandya Was India's Highest Run Getter In ODI Series Against Australia
Batting for the first time in his career as a specialist batsman, Hardik Pandya emerged as the top run getter for India in the 3-match ODI series against Australia, which the hosts lost 1-2. Pandya excelled in his role as a finisher and aggregated 210 runs at a staggering average of 105 in 3 ODIs. He top scored with knocks of 92* and 90 in the second and third ODI.