I've always taken pride in my batting as an all-rounder – Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya put in a powerful all-round show against Namibia as India secured their second win of the ICC T20 World Cup. Pandya smashed 52 off just 28 balls, clobbering four fours and four sixes. Pandya’s innings was also special because he walked out to bat when Team India suddenly went into a lull, losing quick wickets in the middle.

Winning the Player of the Match award for his all-round performance, Pandya opened up on his headspace after a very special performance while shedding light on his fitness off late.

Shedding light on his mindset, Hardik said, “Yeah, definitely, just enjoying the sport. Had a good couple of months to prepare and, you know, get the rhythm and, you know, get the body right. Touchwood everything is going well.”

Raving about his batting, Pandya said, “Yes, I've always taken pride in my batting as an all-rounder. So whenever I get an opportunity, I make sure that both the skills are managed rightly. And yeah, I always mention it quite earlier as well that batting is always close to my heart. And when that comes, it's a, you know, it even adds more sugar to the cake.”

Talking about his fitness, Pandya added, “Body has been fantastic. I've always mentioned it takes a lot of hard work, which I cherish. But, you know, playing for the country has always been a pride, always been my number one priority. It just needs extra hard work, which I do. A lot of work goes behind the scene where I'm kind of out and kind of go into army, army sort of a camp where I do morning, evening sessions, which kind of keeps me going.”

He further said, “And whenever I come, just before a big series or a big tournament, I kind of give myself a month or something to go and do kind of those routine, make sure I eat well, make sure I sleep well, make sure my habits are good. And you know, it gives me always a great rhythm. And at the same point of time, body gives me immense support while playing.”