Hardik Pandya Makes Shocking "USP" Statement After Winning Match Against South Africa

Hardik Pandya was named Player of the Match after hitting 59 runs off 28 balls without getting out. This helped India beat South Africa in the first T20I in Cuttack on Tuesday.  Pandya came in during a tough time and counterattacked with amazing calmness and accuracy, helping India reach a strong total of 175/6, which was more than enough for the visitors.  Pandya said he had to trust his instincts and quickly adjust to the surface during his match-winning innings.

"I had to back up my shots.  I saw that the wicket had some kick to it.  I had to be brave.  It was more about hitting the ball at the right time than breaking it.  After the game, he said, "I was very happy with how I was batting."

Pandya, who has been working hard on his fitness for the past few months, talked about the discipline and commitment that led to his return.

"From a fitness point of view, the last six to seven months have been great.  Being at NCA (National Cricket Academy) and away from loved ones for the last 50 days has been hard.  "It was satisfying when you come here and the results come like this," he said.

"As a cricketer, I've never cared about what position I play in the game.  I have always been driven to make sure that what India wants is more important than what Hardik Pandya wants.  The way I think helps me.  I've always tried to put my team first.  "That's my biggest USP, and it's what has helped me," Pandya said.

Pandya also talked about how he went after South African spinner Keshav Maharaj during his innings: "I knew he wouldn't get closer to Axar."  I don't think I was going to do that.  I was going for it if it came in my arc.  He took a chance, and so did I.  My track was more calculated.  I tried to make money and it worked.  It's about playing games and finding the right bowlers to take down.  "It looks good if it works."

India scored 175 runs and lost six wickets after choosing to field first. Hardik Pandya scored 59 runs in 28 balls, including five fours and four sixes. Tilak Varma scored 26 runs in 32 balls, including two fours and a six. Axar Patel scored 23 runs in 21 balls, including a six.

Lungi Ngidi (3/31) was the best bowler for South Africa, and Lutho Sipmala (2/38) was also good with the ball.

South Africa was never really a threat in the chase. Dewald Brevis (22 runs in 14 balls, with three fours and a six) put up some resistance. Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, and Axar Patel each took two wickets to help SA get out for 74 in 12.3 overs.  One each went to Hardik and Shivam Dube.

Pandya was a key player in India's 1-0 lead in the five-match T20I series, showing off both his batting and leadership skills.