Hardik Pandya sizzles with a 37-ball century in DY Patil T20 tournament

Hardik Pandya has been grappled with injuries in the last few months. He last played for India in September 2019 in a T20I against South Africa after which he underwent surgery over an acute lower-back injury. While he was due to return for India A’s New Zealand tour and the subsequently to the national team, the all-rounder didn’t regain full fitness in time. However, Hardik is up and running now and is currently playing in the ongoing DY Patil T20 tournament in Mumbai.

He is playing for Reliance 1 in the competition alongside his India teammates Bhvuneshwar Kumar and Shikhar Dhawan who have also recovered from their respective injuries. Hardik Pandya, meanwhile, has already made headlines for his batting. While his comeback was brilliant where he smacked 38 runs off just 25 balls besides picking three wickets, the 26-year-old went a step ahead and smashed a scintillating century on Tuesday.

After coming out to bat at four against CAG, Hardik Pandya went berserk taking the attack to the opposition. Reliance 1 were 45/2 after five overs when he came to bat and turned the tables on the CAG with his whirlwind batting.

Hardik Pandya smacks 10 sixes en route his ton

The Mumbai Indians star took a few deliveries to get hold of the conditions before literally throwing his bat at everything. Hardik Pandya was severe against every CAG bowler and eventually went on to complete his century off just 37 balls. Also, staying true to his reputation he reached the three-figure mark with a massive six off a pace bowler who delivered a length ball.

However, soon after getting to his century, the Baroda all-rounder got out on 105 off just 39 balls. His strike-rate of 269.23 was undoubtedly the best in the innings and his innings comprised of eight fours and 10 gigantic maximums. Reliance 1, on the back of his knock and Anmolpreet Singh’s 51-ball 88 managed to pile up 252 runs on the board for the loss of five wickets after 20 overs. He went on to pick fifer with the ball.

The way Hardik Pandya is currently playing, it is clear that he is completely fit and will be raring to make a national come back soon. While Hardik playing in the IPL looks certain, it remains to be seen if he will be picked for the ODI series against South Africa which is set to commence on March 12.