The first T20I of the five-match series between India and South Africa will mark Hardik Pandya’s return to international cricket. The ace allrounder has not played for Team India since suffering a quadricep injury during the Asia Cup earlier this year.
He was also forced to miss the Asia Cup final against Pakistan due to the same injury. Fortunately for Team India, Hardik Pandya’s injury did not cost them much ass they went on to thrash Pakistan and won the continental championship.
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He finally returned to action earlier this month when he represented Baroda against Punjab in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Hardik Pandya hit the ground running as he smashed an unbeaten 77 and picked up a wicket to help his team win the match. He also played against Gujarat before linking up with the Indian team for the series against South Africa.
Hardik Pandya eyes historic milestone:
Hardik Pandya has the opportunity to make his comeback series a special one by achieving a special milestone. The India star is on the verge of completing the double of 2,000 runs and 100 wickets in the shortest format of the game.
He needs 140 runs to complete 2000 runs in T20Is. On the other hand, he needs only a couple of wickets to complete a century of wickets in T20Is. If he manages to complete the double, he will become only the first Indian player to reach the milestone.
Hardik Pandya is also on the verge of becoming only the second Indian bowler after Arshdeep Singh to take 100 wickets in T20Is. At present, he is the third-highest wicket-taker for India in the shortest format, with 98 wickets at an average of 26.58.
Hardik Pandya opens up a lot of options: Suryakumar Yadav
As Pandya gears up to return to action, India captain Suryakumar Yadav highlighted his importance in the T20I team. The right-handed batsman said that Pandya opens up a lot of options for the team and will provide a good balance to the team.
“Hardik Pandya opens up a lot of options and combinations. His experience is invaluable. He has done well in major tournaments. His presence will give a good balance to the side,” said Suryakumar Yadav.
