On Sunday, Hardik Pandya produced a remarkable innings that led India’s fine fightback that saw them post a competitive 281/7 in the first ODI against Australia.
Coming into bat with his team tottering at 87/5, Pandya took the attack to the Aussies. He smashed 83 runs off just 66 balls. During his stay at the crease, he also smashed Adam Zampa for 24 runs in an over that saw him smash a boundary and three consecutive sixes. There were obvious comparisons to England’s Ben Stokes, who is widely seen as the best pace-bowling all-rounder in the world.
For the Indian fans, however, Pandya was their long-awaited heir to the legendary Kapil Dev. With the 23-year-old going from strength to strength with the bat and ball, Pandya, understandably, caused quite a stir in Twitterverse.
The experts were in awe
The perfect all-rounder
West-Indian through and through
Scroll has produced award-winning journalism despite violent threats, falling ad revenues and rising costs. Support our work. Become a member today.
In these volatile times, Scroll remains steadfastly courageous, nuanced and comprehensive. Become a Scroll Member and support our award-winning reportage, commentary and culture writing.