When all other batters struggled to play a big innings, Pandya notched up an unbeaten 59 off just 28 deliveries to take the team\u2019s scoreboard to 175\/6 at the end of the first innings.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
What followed was sheer dominance by the Indian bowlers as they restricted the visitors to a mere 74, securing a victory by a substantial margin. Pandya also contributed with the ball, taking a wicket off his very first delivery in the game. He was recognised for his brave efforts and was named the Player of the Match.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Speaking of his game after receiving the award, Pandya said, \u201cI had to back my shots. At the same point of time, I realized that the wicket had a bit of spice. You had to be a little gutsy, and it was more about timing the ball, not trying to break the ball. I was very satisfied with the way I was batting. I think the last six or seven months have been really amazing from a fitness standpoint.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI don\u2019t make a big deal about the hard work that goes behind it, but at the same time, these last 50 days, being away from your loved ones, spending time at the NCA, making sure everything is covered. It\u2019s very satisfying when you come here and the results follow,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Speaking of his game after receiving the award, Pandya said, \u201cI had to back my shots. At the same point of time, I realized that the wicket had a bit of spice. You had to be a little gutsy, and it was more about timing the ball, not trying to break the ball. I was very satisfied with the way I was batting. I think the last six or seven months have been really amazing from a fitness standpoint.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Pandya\u2019s shot selection and the array of boundaries coming off his bat stole the show in the first innings as he confidently took on the bowlers and hit them for runs across the stadium. Elaborating on what was going on in his mind when he faced the Proteas bowlers, the Mumbai Indians captain said, \u201cI kind of knew he (Maharaj) wouldn\u2019t go closer to Axar. I didn\u2019t plan it that way, it was just that if it came into my arc, I wanted to go for it. He took a chance and I took a chance. Mine was more calculated on that track, and it paid off. I think that gave us rhythm, gave us momentum that we capitalised on. We were 20-25 runs ahead of the game when those overs began. It\u2019s just about gamesmanship, identifying the right bowler to take down on the day. When it comes off, it looks good.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n