On Sunday, Hardik Pandya produced a remarkable innings that led India’s fine fightback that saw them post a competitive 281/7 in the first ODI against Australia.
Coming into bat with his team tottering at 87/5, Pandya took the attack to the Aussies. He smashed 83 runs off just 66 balls. During his stay at the crease, he also smashed Adam Zampa for 24 runs in an over that saw him smash a boundary and three consecutive sixes. There were obvious comparisons to England’s Ben Stokes, who is widely seen as the best pace-bowling all-rounder in the world.
For the Indian fans, however, Pandya was their long-awaited heir to the legendary Kapil Dev. With the 23-year-old going from strength to strength with the bat and ball, Pandya, understandably, caused quite a stir in Twitterverse.
The experts were in awe
Thoughts - Pandya most exciting all-rounder after Stokes in world cricket? @StarSportsIndia #INDvAUS
— Isa Guha (@isaguha) September 17, 2017
Hardik Pandya has made it a habit of playing the big impact innings. Seeing one currently. Amazing stuff! #INDvAUS
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) September 17, 2017
Wonderful to see the growth in Hardik Pandya. That was serious hitting
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) September 17, 2017
Brilliant innings from Pandya 83 off only 66 balls.
— Michael Clarke (@MClarke23) September 17, 2017
The perfect all-rounder
Once Again Hardik Pandya Proved He is a Perfect All-rounder which india is searching from many years.#INDvAUS
— Shubham Patidar (@_ShubhamPatidar) September 17, 2017
Hardik Pandya is developing into a fine all rounder. Love the fact that he sets high standards for himself and plays with no fear.
— Pranay Parab (@prawnay) September 17, 2017
Hats off to Hardik Pandya. What a player..saved India both on CT17 n today and deserved a ton each time. Don't worry champ, it'll come soon.
— Indranil Majumder (@Captainbrave6) September 17, 2017
Not many get to dominate #MSDhoni from the other end, Rare thing ! #Pandya #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/INGVWBM91J
— Nikkunj Mehta (@mehtanikkunj) September 17, 2017
Hardik Pandya can be India's super all rounder like Kapil Dev, Yuvraj Singh.
— antuan (@iamprosunghosh) September 17, 2017
He has become an awesome cricketer.lovely to watch.
There was a time he was laughed at. Now he's one of the most dependable and classy all-rounder we have. Time changes. So should you. #Pandya
— Vishal Pokarne (@Vishalpokarne) September 17, 2017
Pandya proving to be the all-rounder that the Indian team has needed for a while. #INDvAUS
— Aparna Sai (@Aparna_Sai) September 17, 2017
Pandya and Stokes are becoming greatest all-rounder of limited over cricket ever.
— Keval Bhojani (@bhojani_keval) September 17, 2017
Kudos to India and England#INDvAUS
West-Indian through and through
Hardik Pandya is not the only player in the team from West India.
— Gabbbar (@GabbbarSingh) September 17, 2017
But he's the only West-Indian.#INDvAUS
Hardik Pandya's strike rate has accelerated more than petrol rate.
— Sorabh Pant (@hankypanty) September 17, 2017
And, that's saying something.#HappyBirthdayPM
Thanks for the entertainment Pandya. You are the second most important Gujrati for us right now. #INDvAUS
— cricBC (@cricBC) September 17, 2017