India picked all-rounder Hardik Pandya as their dressing room’s Impact Player for the Oman clash in the 2025 Asia Cup on Friday. Dayanand Garani, training assistant, awarded Pandya with the medal, which represents the team’s internal version of a Player of the Match, for his performance in the Men in Blue’s 21-run win.
With India batting first, Pandya was promoted to number four but could only manage 1 (1), getting run out at the non-striker’s end when Sanju Samson’s drive deflected off bowler Jitenkumar Ramanandi’s fingers. He was more potent in the second innings, taking the important wicket of half-centurion Hammad Mirza and a blinding catch for the return of the other half-centurion, Aamir Kaleem.
“Today’s match was a great one. Thank you,
Gautam sir. Today’s impact player is everyone’s pride and honor, Hardik Pandya,” Garani announced in a video shared by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) via their social media accounts.
Pandya, in his speech, lauded his team’s efforts in the game while also sharing a message for the next match — against rivals Pakistan in the Super-Four stage on Sunday (September 21).
“I think we had a very good game today as a group. We were tested. It was hot, but at the same time, everyone came in and played their role. On the 21st, it’s just another game; let’s play the game when it’s played, not before it,” he said.
Pandya then dedicated the medal to Garani in a wholesome gesture.
“I would like to give this to Daya on my behalf. Daya, the hard work you guys do, and the work you put in for our fielding drills, it’s for that,” he said.
These dressing room medals have been a tradition in the team since 2023. They became the most popular during the 2023 World Cup and were quite popular among the fans, too.
