4th T20I: Hardik Pandya delighted with his match-winning knock
What's the story
Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya was at his best in the fourth T20I against England, scoring a match-winning half-century.
Pandya's innings not only helped India win the series but also made him the fifth-highest run-scorer in T20Is for India.
His 87-run partnership with Shivam Dube helped India recover from a dismal 12/3 to a respectable 181/9.
Notably, Pandya's 53-run knock was laced with four boundaries and as many maximums. Here's what the all-rounder had to say.
Fan motivation
Pandya credits fans for his match-winning performance
Speaking in a video by the BCCI, Pandya thanked the fans, saying their support gives him extra motivation.
He said, "I have always been someone who has played for the fans. When they are there, when they are chanting, it gives me that added motivation."
This just goes on to show how much fan support matters in elevating a player's performance in high-pressure matches, and added, "I want to do really well for them."
Cricket passion
Pandya's deep-rooted love for cricket
Pandya also shared his deep-seated passion for cricket, calling it his "life, priority and first love."
He stressed on the importance of being honest and loyal to the sport and added, "I feel I have always have to turn up and be very honest and loyal to the sport."
The all-rounder further revealed that batting has a special place in his heart, saying that playing a good knock gives him a "wonderful feeling" before he goes to sleep.
Match details
Match recap: India's comeback and England's chase
England chose to bowl first after winning the toss, with pacer Saqib Mahmood sending Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma, and skipper Suryakumar Yadav packing in a single over.
Despite Abhishek Sharma and Rinku Singh's contributions, India was reeling at 79/5 before Pandya and Dube's partnership changed the course of the match.
In response, England began well with a 62-run opening stand but crumbled against Indian spinners to finish at 166 all out.
Stats
A look at India's fifth-highest T20I run-getter's numbers
With his stellar match-winning knock the all-rounder has now raced to 1,803 T20I runs across 113 matches (89 innings).
He owns an average of 28.17 including an impressive strike rate of 141.63. Additionally, he has now registered five fifties.
Pandya's career-high score reads 71* (vs Australia).
Information
Top five most run scorers for India in T20Is
The former Indian T20I skipper Rohit Sharma owns the most runs for India in T20Is, while he has amassed 4,231 runs across 159 matches. He is trailed by Virat Kohli who has racked up 4,188 runs in 125 matches. Notably, only Rohit and Kohli have crossed the 4,000-run mark. The current T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav stands third with 2,596 runs, in 82 matches. KL Rahul stands fourth with 2,265 runs (72 matches). Pandya stands fifth with 1,803 runs (113 matches).