The first T20I of the five-match series between India and South Africa will see Hardik Pandya coming back to international cricket. The ace all-rounder has not been part of Team India since his quadricep injury in the Asia Cup this year.
Hardik was also unable to play the Asia Cup final against Pakistan because of the same injury. Luckily, Hardik’s injury did not affect India’s performance badly as they went on to beat Pakistan easily and win the continental title.
He finally made his first appearance again this month when he played for Baroda against Punjab in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Hardik Pandya did not take long to impress as he scored a not out 77 and took a wicket to be the hero of the match. He also played against Gujarat before joining the Indian squad for the series against South Africa.
Hardik Pandya on verge of achieving a massive milestone
Hardik Pandya can make his comeback series a memorable one by reaching a special milestone. The India star is close to finishing the double of 2,000 runs and 100 wickets in the shortest format of the game.
He has to score 140 runs to get to 2000 runs in T20Is. On the contrary, just two wickets are needed for him to reach a century of wickets in T20Is. If he is able to do the double, he will be the first Indian player ever to achieve the landmark.
Hardik Pandya is also nearing the distinction of being just the second Indian bowler after Arshdeep Singh to cross the mark of 100 wickets in T20Is. Currently, he is the third all-time highest wicket-taker for India in the shortest format with 98 wickets at an average of 26.58.
Hardik Pandya unlocks countless avenues: Suryakumar Yadav
The frame is the same for Hardik to make a return and India captain Suryakumar Yadav earmarked his role in T20I for the time being. The right-handed batsman remarked that Pandya literally opens up a lot of options for the team and by his presence would create a good balance of the team
“Hardik Pandya opens up a lot of options and combinations. His experience is invaluable. He has done well in major tournaments. His presence will give a good balance to the side,” commented Suryakumar Yadav.
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