Hardik Pandya hits 158* in DY Patil T20 Cup
What's the story
Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya has continued to gain rapid strides to highlight his importance. The star cricketer, who has been absent from the national team for quite some time with an injury, slammed a ferocious 158* in the ongoing DY Patil T20 Cup. The innings came right after another impressive ton a few days earlier. Here's more on the same.
Injury
Pandya has been battling injury woes for a while
This was Pandya's second game post the lengthy injury layoff. He last played for India during the T20I series against South Africa in September and was recovering from a back injury which was sustained in 2018. He underwent a surgery to treat the acute lower-back injury. Pandya was included in India's A squad for their tour of New Zealand, but he wasn't match ready.
Pandya 158*
Pandya smashes 158* in no time, registers 39-ball ton
On Friday, Pandya played a whirlwind knock of 158 while representing Reliance 1 against BPCL in the semi-final of the tournament. Pandya's stunning knock helped his side pile up a mammoth total of 238 for 4 in 20 overs. He was unbeaten on 158 off just 55 balls. His century came in 39 balls. His knock was studded with 6 fours and 20 sixes.
Pandya 105
Pandya slammed 105 recently against CAG
Just days earlier, Pandya (105) slammed eight fours and 10 sixes CAG in a Group C encounter. His innings helped Reliance 1 posted 252 for five in 20 overs. The all-rounder also claimed five wickets ias Reliance 1 bowled out CAG for 151 to claim a 101 run win in its final league match at the Reliance Corporate Park in Ghansoli.
Pandya return
Pandya will bolster Team India in ODIs against SA
After a disastrous show against New Zealand in the ODIs and Tests recently, the Men in Blue will want to have a crack against South Africa in the upcoming ODI series, starting March 12. With Pandya in such form, the all-rounder will want to make things count in the South Africa ODIs. His presence will lift India in a crucial three-match series.