Former India batter Robin praised Hardik Pandya’s energy on the field, likening him to the legendary Vivian Richards after the Indian all-rounder’s outstanding performance helped India secure a victory against South Africa in the five-match T20I series, winning 3-1 with a comprehensive 30-run triumph in the fifth T20I at Ahmedabad.
Match Highlights
India’s victory was built on a crucial 100-run partnership between Tilak Verma and Hardik Pandya, setting up a competitive total. The bowlers then took charge, with Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakaravarthy delivering decisive spells that halted the Proteas’ chase and clinched the series emphatically.
Uthappa provided an insightful breakdown of India’s dominant bowling performance and South Africa’s collapse in the series decider, emphasizing the impact of Bumrah and Chakaravarthy on a challenging surface.
Bowling Performance
“Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakaravarthy were phenomenal on this wicket. Bumrah is India’s banker when things go sour. He gave just six runs in his first couple of overs and got the crucial wicket of Quinton de Kock when India desperately needed it, bringing us right back,” Uthappa said on JioStar.
“Then Hardik dismissed Dewald Brevis in his second over, and Suryakumar showed great captaincy bringing Varun back—he got Aiden Markram immediately, followed by Donovan Ferreira and one more in quick time. What stands out about Varun is his ability to come back strong. He first hits his length, then attacks the batter’s weaknesses—that’s exactly what he executed brilliantly today,” he added.
Praise for Hardik
Uthappa reserved special praise for Hardik Pandya, who showcased an all-round performance with the bat and in the field, dazzling viewers with his fiery 14-ball fifty.
“His energy on the field is exactly like Sir Viv Richards. He comes in with that swagger, and it’s a great attitude for youngsters to learn from. That’s the energy the opposition feels, a sense of intimidation even before you’ve played a ball. It’s a phenomenal attitude to carry,” Uthappa mentioned.
India’s next T20I outing will be against New Zealand in January 2026, serving as a preparatory series for both sides ahead of the T20 World Cup, starting February 7.