‘I basically hurled abuses at myself to bowl better length’ - Hardik Pandya on 'whispering' to ball before taking wicket

Team India registered their third consecutive win in the ODI World Cup 2023. The side has been in sensational form in the tournament and recently defeated their arch-rivals Pakistan in match No. 12 of the competition at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

However, one of the most talked-about moments from the clash came from the first innings when all-rounder Hardik Pandya was captured whispering to the ball just before he took the wicket of Imam-ul-Haq. 

Talking of the same, Pandya came forward to reveal what he said to the ball. The 29-year-old told Star Sports, “I basically hurled abuses at myself to bowl better length.”

Pandya finished his spell with two wickets to his name as he dismissed Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Nawaz. In the process, Pandya conceded 34 runs in the six overs he bowled as well. 

India continue winning streak with exceptional performances

Talking of India’s performances in the ODI World Cup 2023, the Rohit Sharma-led side is currently unbeaten in the competition. The team has played three games so far against Australia, Afghanistan, and Pakistan and have managed to win all of the games. 

After their brilliant performances against Australia and Afghanistan, all eyes were set on the side’s clash against arch-rivals Pakistan. Taking centre stage in Ahmedabad, India managed to bundle out the Babar Azam-led side for a total of 191 runs. 

Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav took two wickets each as the side put in a brilliant showing with the ball. Aiming to chase down the target, the brilliance of skipper Rohit Sharma propelled India to the best of starts. Scoring 86 runs in 63 deliveries, Rohit’s knock was sensational and crucial to India’s win. 

Furthermore, Shreyas Iyer added 53* runs on the board as India won the game by seven wickets and continued their winning run.