It was an immense display of teamwork at the MCG where Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya complemented each other perfectly under immense pressure to secure an important win in the Super 12.

Hardik and Virat opened up on BCCI.TV talking about the crucial partnership that saw them braving insurmountable odds and steering India home. It was a signature display of experience and courage in the face of catastrophe as the duo stabilized the Indian ship and calmly took them across the finish line.

Talking about the intensity in yesterday’s contest, Hardik said “I sensed a lot of pressure in the group. With all due respect, a lot of people in big games [feel pressure] and [know] how important it is. We all have worked very hard as a collective, and people are happy for each other.”

Hardik played an important knock of 40 from 37 balls, figures that would usually be labelled as uncharacteristic from the hard-hitting all-rounder who shares a special penchant for taking the aerial route way too frequently.

Hardik concluded by talking about his role in the center as directed by Rahul Dravid coupled with the bond that he shares with Virat, “The quality of relationship that I have with this group is something I cherish and [will] always cherish. When I was coming inside [to bat], I would have taken a bullet for you [Kohli] at that point of time; I would not have let you get out at that point of time. My goal was simple: whatever I can to make your life easy [do it], because you have done this over the years in crucial games. No one is better at handling pressure than you."