Cuttack, Dec 9: Star India all-rounder Hardik Pandya announced his return to international cricket in spectacular fashion, powering India to a commanding 101-run win over South Africa in the first T20I at the Barabati Stadium.
The all-rounder produced a match-defining performance, scoring an unbeaten 59 off 28 deliveries and picking up a wicket as India took a 1-0 lead in the series.
Walking in at a challenging moment on a sticky pitch where timing the ball was difficult for most batters, Hardik delivered an innings of rare clarity and intent. While India's top order failed to convert starts, the 31-year-old seemed to be batting on a different surface altogether, effortless in stroke-making and ruthless in punishing loose deliveries.
He raced to
a joint-fastest T20I fifty (25 balls), shifting the momentum with a calculated counterattack that lifted India to 175 for 6 in 20 overs, a total that proved well beyond South Africa's reach.
Hardik Pandya Creates a Major T20I Record
During his explosive innings, Hardik crossed a significant milestone in his T20I career, becoming only the fourth Indian batter to hit 100 sixes in T20 Internationals. In doing so, he joined an elite group of Indian white-ball greats.
Most Sixes for India in T20Is
| Player | Sixes in T20Is for India |
|---|---|
| Rohit Sharma | 205 |
| Suryakumar Yadav | 155 |
| Virat Kohli | 124 |
| Hardik Pandya | 100 |
| KL Rahul | 99 |
With this feat, Hardik has further cemented his reputation as one of India's most impactful short-format players, someone who can change the course of a game within a handful of overs.
Player of the Match: Hardik Pandya Reflects on His Comeback
Speaking after receiving the Player of the Match award, Hardik provided insight into his approach on a tricky batting surface, highlighting the importance of intuition and timing.
"I had to back my shots. The wicket had a bit of spice, and you had to be gutsy. It was more about timing the ball, not trying to break it. I was very satisfied with the way I was batting.
He credited his recent fitness work and long rehabilitation phase for helping him return stronger.
"The last six or seven months have been amazing from a fitness standpoint. I do not make a big deal about the hard work that goes behind it, but these last 50 days at the NCA, away from loved ones, covering everything… it is satisfying when the results follow.
Hardik also reiterated his team-first mindset, a trait that has defined his career at both international and franchise level.
"I have never been fussy about my role. It does not matter what Hardik Pandya wants; it matters what India wants. Whenever I get opportunities, I try to do my best. Some days are good, some are not, but the mindset always helps me. Throughout my career, I have tried to put my team first, the nation first. That is my biggest USP and that is what has always helped me.
Reflecting on the pivotal over against Keshav Maharaj, which helped India surge 20 to 25 runs ahead of the game, Hardik explained how he backed his instincts.
"I kind of knew he would not go closer to Axar. I did not plan it that way, it was just that if it came into my arc, I wanted to go for it. He took a chance and I took a chance. Mine was more calculated on that track, and it paid off. I think that gave us rhythm, gave us momentum that we capitalised on. We were 20-25 runs ahead of the game when those overs began.
He summed it up as a matter of smart targeting on the day:
"It is just about gamesmanship, identifying the right bowler to take down. When it comes off, it looks good.
A Statement Knock Ahead of a Busy Season
Hardik's innings was more than just a successful comeback; it was a reminder of his match-winning value and influence as a senior member of the side. With India entering a crucial phase of preparation for upcoming global events, his return to form and fitness could not have come at a better time.
If this knock in Cuttack is any indication, India may once again lean heavily on Hardik Pandya as a finisher, power hitter and key all-round option in the months ahead.
