Hardik Pandya and Virat Kohli combined to get a massive Diwali gift for billions of Indians. A record-breaking chase against Pakistan in the 20-20 World Cup brought about one of India’s most memorable wins against the arch-rivals Pakistan.
While India’s bowling performed better than their usual shelf despite lacking Jasprit Bumrah in the line-up. It is however Pandya and Kohli who did all the heavy lifting in the match. India were struggling at 31-4 when the two joined forces and steadied the innings.
Kohli, supported by Pandya, played one of his best-ever innings and reigned supreme in front of over 90,000 spectators. In his post-match, Kohli kept talking about Hardik and his positive words at the crease. As the euphoria settled down a bit, the two sat down and narrated the whole story. Hardik lavished massive praise on Kohli and lauded his two sixes off Haris Rauf in the 19th over.
Those two sixes were special- Hardik Pandya
“Those two shots played by Virat Kohli, just because I know how important those two shots were, if you had missed even shot, still they were running ahead with the game. I have hit a lot of sixes, but those two sixes were really really special. What it meant for both of us, we actually were so pumped. Those two shots, I told him that I have played so much cricket but I do not think anyone could have played those two shots except Mr. Kohli,” Hardik told Kohli in a video posted on the website of Indian Cricket Board.
Hardik also expressed how the difficulty made the run chase much more special. “Yeah, the best part of today was that we struggled, but we did it together. This would not have been this special if we would have just walked, just cruised through hitting exceptional shots. It feels more special because we struggled. We were talking to each other on how difficult it was. Credit to Pakistan as well, they bowled really well. They were fantastic,” he added.
Pandya also talked about the emotions going through in the game and said, “I sensed a lot of pressure in our room, I could sense it. It was a big game, but for me, I do not know, for some odd reason, I was very numb today when I came to the ground. This is where I wanted to be and I am just happy to be here. The quality of relationship which I have in this group is something I cherish.”
Hardik and Kohli’s bromance looks to have further strengthened with this remarkable partnership. Pandya was tearful in the post-match interviews of the game, he also said that he would have done anything for Kohli.
“I would have taken a bullet for you at that point of time, but I would not have let you get out. My goal was simple, whatever I can do to make your life easier, I’ll do it. You have done it so many times and no one is better at handling pressure than you,” he added.
