Hardik Pandya pledges to come back stronger, thanks fans for support

The Cape Town Test started on a stunning note for Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya.  The versatile cricketer first contributed with the ball, taking the important wicket of Protea skipper Faf du Plessis in the first innings as India bowled out the opponents for a modest 286. However, it was Pandya’s batting that further elevated his stature as one of most sought-after all-rounders in international cricket.

Chasing 286, India at one point were staring down an abyss, enter Hardik Pandya. The 24-year old joined Ravichandran Ashwin when the visitors were reeling at 76 for five and soon got reduced to 92 for seven. With South Africa pacers looking at their best, Pandya was tested to the fullest early on.

However, he managed to keep his wicket intact and displayed remarkable quality to bail India out of a troubled situation. Unlike his teammates, he took the attack to the hosts and raced away to his second Test fifty off just 46 balls. He continued batting in the same manner only to get dismissed seven runs short of what looked like a certain century. His timely knock eventually helped India to recover from a precarious position and post a respectable 209 at the end of their first innings.

While Pandya’s heroics were lauded by everyone, some of his fans took to Twitter to heap praises on the all-rounder. A wonderful human being that he is, Pandya took the effort to appreciate his fans and promised them he would return stronger in the upcoming second Test. He wrote, “‘Grateful for all your wishes and support throughout the first test. Disappointed that we fell short the way we did. We will come back harder and stronger in Pretoria!

You can see the Tweet below

Grateful for all your wishes and support throughout the first test. Disappointed that we fell short the way we did. We will come back harder and stronger in Pretoria! #SAvIND pic.twitter.com/LUCJtTcx73

— hardik pandya (@hardikpandya7) January 9, 2018

The countries will next lock horns in the deciding second Test at Centurion in what promises to be a high-octane fight in the ultimate battle to establish dominion.