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Hardik Pandya calls selflessness his biggest USP after match-winning knock vs South Africa

Hardik Pandya’s blistering half-century and his emphasis on team-first cricket shaped India’s dominant win over South Africa in the first T20I in Cuttack.

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Hardik Pandya delivered a clinical all-round performance as India secured a dominant win over South Africa in the first T20I in Cuttack. His unbeaten 59 off just 28 balls not only revived India’s innings but also earned him the Player of the Match award. Speaking after the victory, Pandya said his ability to put the team’s needs above everything else remains his strongest asset.

Pandya reflects on his explosive knock and mindset

Walking in at a tense moment, Pandya counterattacked with calculated aggression, helping India post 175/6 — a total that eventually proved far beyond South Africa’s reach. He said adapting to the pitch quickly and trusting his game was key.

“I had to back my shots. I realised the wicket had a bit of spice. It was more about timing the ball, not breaking the ball,” Pandya said. He added that he was satisfied with how he paced his innings.

Pandya, who has spent the past several months working on his fitness, described the performance as personally rewarding. “These last 50 days, being away from loved ones, being at NCA, making sure that all these things are covered… it was satisfying when the results come like this,” he said.

‘What India wants, not what Hardik Pandya wants’

Pandya stressed that his biggest strength lies in being flexible and team-centric.
“As a cricketer, I have never been fussy about what roles I have. It doesn’t matter what Hardik Pandya wants, it is about what India wants. That is my biggest USP and that is what has helped me,” he stated.

He also explained the approach behind attacking spinner Keshav Maharaj, saying he simply capitalised when the ball entered his hitting zone.

India dominate with ball to seal 1-0 lead

India’s total, built by crucial contributions from Tilak Varma (26), Axar Patel (23) and Pandya’s late flourish, proved more than enough. Lungi Ngidi picked three wickets for South Africa, while Lutho Sipamla claimed two.

South Africa faltered early in the chase and were bowled out for 74 in 12.3 overs, with Dewald Brevis offering the only brief resistance. India’s bowlers — Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy and Axar Patel — all picked two wickets each, while Pandya and Shivam Dube took one apiece.

With leadership presence and batting brilliance, Pandya played a defining role in giving India a 1-0 advantage in the five-match series.

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Who is Praful Hinge? Young pacer who made instant impact with match-turning IPL debut spell

Praful Hinge grabbed attention with a three-wicket over on his IPL debut for Sunrisers Hyderabad.

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Praful Hinge bowling for Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL

Praful Hinge is an emerging Indian fast bowler who grabbed attention after a remarkable debut in the Indian Premier League. Representing Sunrisers Hyderabad, the young pacer made headlines by taking three wickets in a single over, a rare and impactful feat in T20 cricket.

His performance came against Rajasthan Royals, where he turned the game with a decisive spell, announcing his arrival on the big stage.

Domestic cricket background

Hinge hails from Nagpur and has been associated with the Vidarbha cricket team in domestic cricket. Like many cricketers rising through India’s competitive system, his progress at the domestic level paved the way for his IPL opportunity.

While detailed statistics from his domestic career remain limited in public reports, his selection in the IPL reflects recognition of his potential and performances.

Bowling style and strengths

Praful Hinge is a right-arm fast bowler known for:

  • Maintaining a disciplined line and length
  • Ability to generate movement off the pitch
  • Effectiveness in short, impactful spells

His debut spell highlighted composure under pressure, especially in a high-intensity league like the IPL.

Breakthrough IPL moment

Making an immediate impact in the IPL is never easy, but Hinge’s three-wicket over on debut stands out as a defining moment. Performances like these often play a key role in shaping a young cricketer’s early career and gaining attention from teams and selectors.

A promising start

Praful Hinge’s debut has positioned him as a young fast bowler to watch. While it is still early in his career, such impactful performances suggest potential for further opportunities in domestic and franchise cricket.

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At 15, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi eyes India debut, could surpass Sachin Tendulkar’s record

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi may soon make his India debut after a standout IPL 2026 season with Rajasthan Royals.

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Rising cricket prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is reportedly on the verge of earning his first senior India call-up following an impressive run in IPL 2026. The 15-year-old batter has been shortlisted for the upcoming India tour of Ireland, according to multiple reports.

The young Rajasthan Royals player has quickly emerged as one of the most talked-about talents this season, delivering impactful performances that have caught the attention of selectors.

Strong performances boost selection chances

Sooryavanshi’s explosive batting in IPL 2026 has played a key role in pushing his case for national selection. Representing Rajasthan Royals, the teenager has consistently taken on top bowlers with confidence, showcasing both aggressive stroke play and maturity beyond his age.

Reports suggest he is among several young players being monitored for India’s Ireland tour, with selectors looking to test emerging talent in a relatively shorter series.

Could become youngest India debutant

If selected and given an opportunity, Sooryavanshi could script history by becoming one of the youngest players to represent India at the international level. At just 15, he would surpass long-standing age records set by former greats like Sachin Tendulkar, who debuted at 16.

The potential milestone has added further excitement around the youngster, whose rapid rise through domestic and franchise cricket has been closely followed by fans and experts alike.

Future tours also on radar

Apart from the Ireland series, reports indicate that Sooryavanshi could also be considered for other upcoming assignments later in 2026, including a possible tour of Zimbabwe. His consistent performances and fearless approach have made him a strong contender for continued inclusion in India’s plans.

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Guwahati weather poses threat to RR vs MI blockbuster as rain delays toss

The IPL 2026 clash between Rajasthan Royals and Mumbai Indians faces a delay as the Guwahati weather brings persistent rain to the Barsapara Cricket Stadium.

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Guwahati weather

The much-anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 encounter between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Mumbai Indians (MI) has hit a weather hurdle. Scheduled to take place at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, the toss for Match 13 has been officially delayed due to persistent rain in the city.

Rain intensifies at Barsapara Stadium

The Guwahati weather has taken a turn for the worse as heavy drizzle forced the groundstaff to keep the pitch and square under covers. While the rain had momentarily eased, allowing for a brief inspection, it returned shortly after, frustrating both fans and players. According to media reports, the probability of rain during match hours has surged to nearly 50%, a significant increase from earlier forecasts.

Cut-off time and over reductions

As the clock ticks, the pressure on the match officials increases. Overs were scheduled to start being reduced from 8:40 PM IST. For those hoping for at least a shortened game, the cut-off time for a minimum five-over-a-side contest has been established at 10:56 PM IST. The city remains under a weather alert, with cloud cover expected to be a major factor throughout the evening.

High-stakes encounter on hold

Rajasthan Royals enter this game with a perfect record, having won their first two matches of the season. On the other hand, Mumbai Indians, led by Hardik Pandya, are looking to bounce back after a mixed start. A key highlight of this match is the potential battle between 15-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and the experienced Jasprit Bumrah.

Historically, the two teams share a fierce rivalry, with Mumbai holding a slight edge with 16 wins compared to Rajasthan’s 14 in their 31 previous meetings.

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