Hardik Pandya reveals raw emotions he experienced during the chase with Virat Kohli at the MCG

From 31 for 4, this was the first time, Team India managed to win a contest against Pakistan in the shortest format of the game, thanks to India’s highest partnership for any wicket between Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya.

Even though they struggled to score at light’s speed, they carried the weight of the entire nation on their shoulders and kept the dream alive till that last over. A partnership of 113 runs for the fifth wicket turned the game on its head and despite the best of Pakistan’s efforts, India managed to walk away with a last-ball victory.

Speaking on BCCI.TV, Hardik Pandya and Virat Kohli had a conversation for the ages and it was a treat for the fans to see the two match-winners reveal the raw emotions that they both experienced during the iconic chase at Melbourne.

Talking about the couple of impeccable strikes that Kohli launched against Haris Rauf in the 19th over, Pandya said, “Those two shots - I knew how important those two shots were. Let's be honest, even if you [looking at Kohli] had missed one, they were running ahead of us.”

Hardik further added, “The best part about what I loved about him [doing that] is we struggled, bro. Why it was so special was we struggled together. This would've been not this special if we had just cruised through. You would have played exceptional shots, I would have been [in the flow]...This was special because we knew we'd struggled."

The Indian all-rounder had loads to say about his return from injury, especially when there was a question mark over his career. He said, “But for me, I don't know, I was very numb today. Even when I came on the ground, I was very happy and I was speaking to Rahul [Dravid] sir as well initially, I wouldn't say he was tense but he told me: 'you have done a lot of things', and 'be calm' and all that. I had to tell him: 'sir, please understand I'm happy to be here. Ten months back, I was working in my space and I had no idea and this is where I wanted to be, irrelevant of what happens. Just happy to be here, playing with all the best cricketers in the world, and they are my brothers.”

Hardik Pandya scored a crucial 40 from just 37 balls, pacing his innings according to the situation of the game and it was a treat for the sore eyes. He showed exceptional temperament to not take unnecessary risks and playing out of his natural game was indeed a mark of true versatility and coming of age for the Indian all-rounder.