New Delhi: The Indian cricket team was off to a brilliant start in the series opener of the three-match T20 International series against England. India defeated England by 50 runs in the 1st T20I at Southampton. A revitalized Hardik Pandya starred with his all-around heroics as he scored a scintillating fifty for the Men in Blue and later in the second innings attained his career-best figures of 4/33. Hardik, for his super outing, was adjudged Player of the Match.
In an interview with his T20I teammate Ishan Kishan, Pandya opened up on how he felt about winning the series opener against England.
“Nothing special, feels like an ordinary day in the life. I got results for my efforts.”
“I was happier because of that, when I bowled that delivery at 90.5 mph, all the credit goes to the support staff behind the scenes, especially Soham Desai and Harsha, who have worked non-stop to prepare us for the matches after the Ireland series,” Pandya said when asked about his 146 kmph delivery in the match by Kishan.
When Ishan asked Hardik Pandya about his plans before coming to the bat, he said he was looking to play risk-free cricket.
“It was very simple, as you already know it’s a conscious effort by everyone that we will make sure that we want to express ourselves and enjoy out there. It’s a great sign for Indian cricket, as all the batters showed positive intent. I was looking to play risk-free cricket, and batting higher up the order in the IPL has helped me in finding the gaps and hitting more boundaries. I have hit sixes my whole life but scoring boundaries content my heart more now,” Pandya concluded.