Published: December 20, 2025 at 7:10 am
Superhero Hardik Pandya once again owned the stage on Friday night on his home turf as he steered India to a comprehensive 30-run series victory over South Africa in the T20Is. There is something magical about the Baroda batter. Every time, he strides to the crease there is a sense of ‘happening’ that grips the spectators. One guarantee is that there will never be a dull moment with him at the crease. No matter what the situation is, Hardik has the ability to punch through and prevail.
On Friday night, India were not to comfortably placed as they had lost the top three with just 115 on the board in the 13th over. Not much time was left but Hardik had no issues with it, time is of no essence for him. Along with Tilak Varma, Hardik literally swept the South Africans off their feet. In just seven overs, the complexion of the contest changed drastically. By the time Hardik was done and dusted, the South Africans were left to pick up the crumbs.
What is it that sets Hardik apart? Former South African speedster Dale Steyn believes Hardik is a born performer. His aura comes from his sense of dominance, as if he can never put a step wrong. Hardik seems to mentally map out his show and then slots each one accordingly. His shot selection and ability to dominate the bowling is what makes his such a dangerous customer.
“Hardik was fantastic, he’s transcended sportsman into celebrity territory, walking out like a superhero in a scripted movie plot where nobody alters his plan. It’s not a bad attitude; it’s pure dominance, an aura where nobody else can match what he does. You see it in his stance and presence, he’s operating at another level mentally, unbreakable in a game that’s all about mental battles. All these players are skilled, but he’s elevated beyond,” Steyn said on a Cricket Live show.
Hardik’s energy on the field is exactly like Sir Viv Richards: Uthappa
Hardik’s presence, in a way, is reminiscent of the aura carried by the great West Indian legend Sir Viv Richards. The West Indian had a phenomenal presence at the wicket. In many ways, it was sheer intimidation, and the bowlers knew that there would be no mercy shown on his day, which was most of the times.
Former India player Robin Uthappa says that Hardik carries an energy which intimidates the opposition. They can feel it even before he strikes the ball. “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,” he said while lauding Hardik.
It’s the Bumrah effect, you can’t let him bowl four overs without damage, says Steyn
Bumrah always creates that window for others, says Steyn
Jasprit Bumrah too had an exceptional game. The Gujarat speedster, who missed the third T20 game, made a stunning comeback. He was the only bowler not to concede a boundary in a game where 432 runs were scored by both the teams. The South African bowlers had conceded 26 fours and 10 sixes, while the Indians were hit for 18 fours and 10 sixes. In all this mayhem, Bumrah stood like a rock. He conceded 17 runs in his four runs and took two wickets without giving away a boundary. His economy rate was 4.25, it was nothing short of phenomenal and that which made all the difference for India on Friday night.
“It’s the Bumrah effect, you can’t let him bowl four overs without damage. South Africa played it safe, surviving him while attacking others, but once he got Quinton de Kock, it triggered Hardik’s wicket, then Chakaravarthy’s flow. Chasing 230-240 demands fighting fire with fire, you can’t let elite bowlers dictate. Bumrah always creates that window for others. South Africa should’ve gone after him harder, as he’ll get you out anyway if you just wait,” Steyn said.
Steyn also had a word of praise for leg-spinner Varun Chakravarthy. He said the South African middle-order, including Aiden Markram, has consistently failed to counter Varun. “Many South Africans struggle to pick Varun Chakaravarthy. Aiden Markram reads him best but still gets out to him often because he plays aggressively. Others like Ferreira get completely foxed by his soft prods and uncertain spin. He has a clear edge over their middle order; even Markram’s now cautious, which is the last mindset a batter wants against him.”
Uthappa said the Indian bowlers, especially Bumrah and Varun, were just too good for their rivals on the Ahmedabad wicket. He also lauded Suryakumar Yadav, whose form with the willow is turning into a concern, for his captaincy.
“Bumrah and Varun 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, got the crucial wicket of Quinton de Kock when India desperately needed it, bringing us right back. Then Hardik dismissed Dewald Brevis in his second over, and Suryakumar showed great captaincy bringing Varun back, he got 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 stated.
