The all-rounder played an unbeaten 59-run knock off 28 deliveries in the first innings before recording figures of 1-16 in two overs.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
With a huge win over the Proteas, India made a strong statement early in the series. South Africa\u2019s innings quickly faded, and the anticipated resistance was absent, due to aggressive bowling from the Men in Blue. The pitch at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack challenged all players except Pandya, who seemed to thrive in the conditions.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"Here comes a guy returning from a break after an injury, and it doesn\u2019t even feel like he\u2019s been away. From ball one, it looked like he had never left. The first ball was a six, the third ball was a six, and he raced to a 24-ball fifty. Then he came on to bowl and picked up wickets again, including the crucial one of David Miller, a batter he has dismissed several times,\" Uthappa said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Calling Pandya \u2018an out-and-out match-winner\u2019, Uthappa stressed the unmatched balance the all-rounder brings to any side.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"Here comes a guy returning from a break after an injury, and it doesn\u2019t even feel like he\u2019s been away. From ball one, it looked like he had never left. The first ball was a six, the third ball was a six, and he raced to a 24-ball fifty. Then he came on to bowl and picked up wickets again, including the crucial one of David Miller, a batter he has dismissed several times,\" Uthappa said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
With India firing in all departments and key players hitting form at the right time, the opening T20I offered an early reminder that they will be among the favourites when the T20 World Cup arrives in 2026.<\/p>\r\n\r\n