The first T20 match of the five-match series between India and South Africa will mark the return of Hardik Pandya to international cricket. The top all-rounder has not played for Team India since he suffered a quadricep injury during the Asia Cup earlier this year.
Due to this injury, he also had to miss the Asia Cup final against Pakistan. It is fortunate for Team India that Hardik Pandya’s injury did not cause much harm to them and they defeated Pakistan and won the Continental Championship.
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He finally returned to action earlier this month when he represented Baroda against Punjab in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Hardik Pandya performed brilliantly, playing an unbeaten inning of 77 runs and taking one wicket to help his team win the match. He also played against Gujarat before joining the Indian team for the series against South Africa.
Hardik Pandya eyes historic achievement:
Hardik Pandya has a chance to make his comeback series special by achieving a special achievement. The Indian star is on the verge of completing the double of 2,000 runs and 100 wickets in the shortest format of the game.
He needs 140 runs to complete 2000 runs in T20Is. On the other hand, he needs only a few wickets to complete the century of wickets in T20Is. If he succeeds in completing the double, he will become the first Indian player to reach this milestone.
Hardik Pandya is also on the verge of becoming the second Indian bowler after Arshdeep Singh to take 100 wickets in T20Is. Currently, he is the third highest wicket-taker for India in the shortest format with 98 wickets at an average of 26.58.
Hardik Pandya opened up many options: Suryakumar Yadav
As Pandya prepares to return to action, India captain Suryakumar Yadav highlighted his importance in the T20I squad. The right-handed batsman said that Pandya will open many options for the team and will provide good balance to the team.
“Hardik Pandya has opened up a lot of options and combinations. His experience is invaluable. He has performed well in major tournaments. His presence will give good balance to the team.” Suryakumar Yadav said.
