India all-rounder Hardik Pandya who has been recovered from his back issue has sent a strong message to everyone prior to the South Africa ODI series where he is looking for a possible comeback by scoring a whirlwind 105 off just 39 balls while playing for Reliance 1 against CAG in a Group C encounter of the 16th DY Patil T20 Cup at the Reliance Corporate Park on Tuesday.
Hardik Pandya was at his pick as he smashed eight fours and 10 huge sixes in his blistering century as Reliance 1 posted a huge total of 252/5 on the board in 20 overs. After the innings, the all-rounder said that he is happy with the way he has been shaping up after being away from the action for nearly six months.
“It’s fantastic (platform) for someone like me. I have been away for almost six months. This is my second game after a long time. For me, it is a good platform to see where I am currently and test my body. I am really happy with the way things have gone,” Hardik Pandya said on the DY Patil Sports Academy Facebook page.
On his big-hitting ability, the 26-year old all-rounder further added: “If it’s there in my arc I just back myself and go for it. Most of the time, it comes out pretty well. There is no plan that I am going to go out there and smash it.”
Pandya showed his all-round calibre in the first match as well where he scored a knock of 38 off 25 balls to help his side put up a total of 150 for eight in their allotted 20 overs.
Hardik Pandya underwent surgery five months ago after suffering a lower-back injury and since then he has been out of the game and also has been on a road to recovery. Although he hoped to return during the New Zealand tour but failed to recover in time and also failed the fitness test. However, he started bowling at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru after returning from a check-up in the UK as well.
The all-rounder last played in the shortest format against South Africa in Bengaluru in September last year. India will take on South Africa again in three One Day International games starting from March 12 in Dharamsala. The second ODI will take place in Lucknow on March 15 while the final one will be played in Kolkata on March 18.
