Star South Africa cricketer praises Hardik Pandya for his explosive knock, says, 'He walks out like a...'
Star South Africa cricketer Dale Steyn showered praise on Hardik Pandya after his explosive knock against South Africa in the fifth and the final T20I
Hardik Pandya
New Delhi: India wrapped up the five-match T20I series 3-1 as they secured a convincing 30-runs victory in the fifth T20I in Ahmedabad, powered by a 100-run partnership between Tilak Varma and Hardik Pandya and impressive spells from Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakaravarthy. On Cricket Live, Robin Uthappa and Dale Steyn broke down the bowlers impact and South Africa's batting collapse during the chase.
Robin Uthappa reflected on the decisive spells delivered by Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakaravarthy, highlighting how they turned the game in India's favour,
"Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakaravarthy were phenomenal on this wicket. Bumrah is India's banker when things go sour, he gave just six runs in his first couple of overs, got the crucial wicket of Quinton de Kock when India desperately needed it, bringing us right back. Then Hardik dismissed Dewald Brevis in his second over, and Suryakumar showed great captaincy bringing Varun back he got Aiden Markram immediately, followed by Donovan Ferreira and one more in quick time. What stands out about Varun is his ability to come back strong. He first hits his length, then attacks the batter's weaknesses that's exactly what he executed brilliantly today."
Uthappa also praised Hardik Pandya's explosive knock and said, "His energy on the field is exactly like Sir Viv Richards. He comes in with that swagger, and it's a great attitude for youngsters to learn from. That's the energy the opposition feels, a sense of intimidation even before you've played a ball. It's a phenomenal attitude to carry."
Dale Steyn analysed how South Africa's chase fell apart
Dale Steyn analysed how South Africa's chase fell apart under the pressure created by Jasprit Bumrah's spell, "It's the Bumrah effect you can't let him bowl four overs without damage. South Africa played it safe, surviving him while attacking others, but once he got Quinton de Kock, it triggered Hardik's wicket, then Chakaravarthy's flow. Chasing 230-240 demands fighting fire with fire, you can't let elite bowlers dictate. Bumrah always creates that window for others South Africa should've gone after him harder, as he'll get you out anyway if you just wait."
Dale Steyn appreciated Varun Chakravarthy's control over South Africa's middle order, "Many South Africans struggle to pick Varun Chakaravarthy Aiden Markram reads him best but still gets out to him often because he plays aggressively. Others like Ferreira get completely foxed by his soft prods and uncertain spin. He has a clear edge over their middle order; even Markram's now cautious, which is the last mindset a batter wants against him."
Steyn on Hardik Pandya's dominance and mindset
Dale Steyn also spoke about Hardik Pandya's dominance, swagger and unshakable mindset, "Hardik was fantastic he's transcended sportsman into celebrity territory, walking out like a superhero in a scripted movie plot where nobody alters his plan. It's not a bad attitude; it's pure dominance, an aura where nobody else can match what he does. You see it in his stance and presence he's operating at another level mentally, unbreakable in a game that's all about mental battles. All these players are skilled, but he's elevated beyond."
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