Following his impressive three-wicket haul against Ireland in the T20 World Cup 2024 opener, Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya spoke about his continued contributions to the national team in major tournaments.
A World Cup Stalwart: Proud to Represent India
“Always special to play for the country, always good to play for pride,” Pandya declared after the first innings. This statement underscores his dedication to representing India on the world stage. He further elaborated on his consistent contributions in World Cups, acknowledging his good fortune. “I have been able to contribute to the World Cups, God has been kind,” he added.
Pandya also took the opportunity to commend teammate Axar Patel for a remarkable catch during the Irish innings. “That was an outstanding effort by Axar, those are the catches when you let your hand-eye coordination let in,” he said. Pandya’s praise highlights the importance of teamwork and the impact a single play can have on the match’s momentum.
Discipline and Accuracy: Key Ingredients on New York Pitch
Reflecting on the bowling performance, Pandya emphasised the importance of controlled bowling on the unfamiliar New York pitch. “On this kind of surface, you need to be disciplined and hit the right areas,” he stated. This suggests that the Indian bowlers prioritised accuracy over raw pace, a strategy that proved successful in restricting the Irish batsmen.
While his overall bowling performance was noteworthy, Pandya singled out his first wicket as particularly satisfying. “I really liked the first wicket, don’t hit the stumps often as I usually bowl short of a length,” he revealed. This suggests a calculated plan behind his bowling approach and a sense of accomplishment in achieving a less frequent type of dismissal.
The passionate Indian fan base also received a shout-out from Pandya. “It’s always fantastic to see the crowd, we Indians are everywhere, we rule the world, good to have their support,” he declared. This acknowledgement showcases the team’s appreciation for the unwavering support they receive from their fans across the globe.
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