I think I’m in a pretty good area: Hardik Pandya

In the months of nowhere and lockdown in 2020, courtesy of a pandemic, Hardik Pandya spent some time figuring out what his next big focus would be. Before the IPL in September-November, many of the conversations between the Pandya house brothers focused on Hardik being able to “finish the games where it matters most.”

Hardik finished the 2020 IPL season with 281 runs, his second-best effort in terms of runs in the six seasons he has played. More importantly, they came up with a staggering strike rate of 178.98. Only Kieron Pollard (268 runs to 191.43) and Jofra Archer (113 runs to 179.37) managed to enhance Hardik’s efforts on the season.

“I felt like during the IPL I was hitting well. It’s just that when I feel like it’s my time to do it and the team wins, that’s the happiest. [feeling]Hardik said, having brought India to the line in the second T20I in Sydney to seal the series.

While Daniel Sams was on his run before the last over with 14 to defend, he made a difficult decision to switch to the stumps. In his short career thus far, Hardik has shown an incredible propensity for clearing the lateral fields with greater ease and, as demonstrated during this year’s IPL, his shooting range has also improved.

But Sams had to pitch at Hardik’s favorable angle, due to how short the limits were on the opposite side at the SCG from that end at bat. However, the length of the lateral leg limit didn’t make a difference as Hardik stayed deep in his crease and unleashed two big punches for a long time to cap off the chase in style.

Hardik admitted to being one of many Indian players who have seamlessly transferred their best form since the recently concluded IPL to the Australian series, despite the difference in conditions and the size of the terrain on offer in Australia. While he remained undecided as to whether he was in the middle of the best hitting phase of his career thus far, he admitted to being in a “pretty good zone.”

“It can be, it can’t be that good [being in the best batting phase of his career]”Hardik said.” It’s just that now it stands out because we are always on top. We have always seen India winning matches when the first three points are executed and I think this is the first time that we have had the opportunity where we have had to step up and do it. And I think I’m in a pretty good area.

“I’m not getting too overwhelmed with the situation. I’m trying to keep it neutral. It’s my job that I did well. Now, over time, I don’t think I’m getting too excited about things.”