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.

India produced a strong bowling comeback in the third ODI at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam, restricting South Africa to 270 after the visitors looked set for a much bigger total. Pacer Prasidh Krishna and spinner Kuldeep Yadav shared four wickets each, dismantling the Proteas’ middle and lower order. India now need 271 to win the match and clinch the series.

Prasidh Krishna triggers collapse after early struggle

Despite being hit for three sixes in his first two overs, Prasidh Krishna responded remarkably in his second spell. Backed strongly by head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain KL Rahul, the pacer removed Matthew Breetzke and Aiden Markram in the same over before dismissing centurion Quinton de Kock, who top-scored with a fluent 106. He later bowled Ottneil Baartman to finish with figures of 4/66.

His timely breakthroughs halted a South African surge that once appeared to be heading toward 350.

Kuldeep Yadav shines again with lower-order demolition

Kuldeep Yadav’s spell proved decisive in the final phase of the innings. The left-arm wrist-spinner dismantled the lower middle order, dismissing Dewald Brevis, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch and Lungi Ngidi to return impressive figures of 4/41.

His tight overs, combined with pressure created by Ravindra Jadeja, ensured the visitors were unable to accelerate at the death.

Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli stand out in the field

India’s fielding was sharp, with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli taking key catches and saving crucial runs. A sharp catch from Rohit and several athletic efforts kept the South African batters in check.

South Africa lose steam despite de Kock’s century

Quinton de Kock’s 106 kept the Proteas afloat early in the innings, but the team collapsed after his dismissal. From a dominant position, South Africa slipped to 270 all out in 47.5 overs, leaving the door open for India to take control of the series.

India must chase successfully to avoid a second straight ODI series defeat.

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has issued a strong and direct warning to those questioning or undermining the roles of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in India’s ODI setup. His remarks come amid growing scrutiny over the duo’s future, especially regarding the 2027 ODI World Cup plans.

Shastri, who shares a long professional and personal equation with both stalwarts, made his views clear during an interview, saying that critics and certain individuals should refrain from creating unnecessary trouble around two of India’s most accomplished white-ball players.

‘Don’t mess around with Kohli and Rohit’: Shastri

Shastri emphasised that Kohli and Rohit remain giants of ODI cricket and deserve respect, not interference. Without naming anyone, he hinted at individuals who are allegedly trying to complicate things for the pair.

He said the two senior batters have earned their stature over years of consistency and match-winning performances, and warned that if they decide to “switch on” completely, those attempting to disrupt their journey would be sidelined swiftly.

Debate over 2027 ODI World Cup participation

Shastri’s remarks come amid ongoing discussions about whether both players should continue in the ODI format. Critics argue that their time away from domestic cricket could affect their World Cup chances.

Rohit Sharma has agreed to participate in the Vijay Hazare Trophy to stay in rhythm as per BCCI guidelines. Virat Kohli initially declined a return to domestic one-day cricket but eventually reconsidered after persuasion from selectors.

A message for selectors and team management

Shastri’s comments are widely seen as a firm reminder to the current selection committee and team management to support proven performers instead of adding pressure. His warning, delivered in his typical candid style, signals his unwavering backing for the senior pros.