Hardik Pandya is a very special player: Kumar Sangakkara

Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya stepped up to take India home last night against Australia in the 3rd ODI at Indore. Chasing 294 to win the game and seal the 5-match series, Pandya was promoted up the order and he delivered with a match-winning 78 off 72 balls to flush out visitors hopes of taking home the cup. Pandya’s effort was lauded by many but the one compliment that stood was from none other than Sri Lankan legendary cricketer Kumar Sangakkara.

The 39-year old former Sri Lankan cricketer termed India as a complete side for all the conditions and added that Pandya is a very special player. It surely gave the Indian all-rounder, a boost and he thanked Sangakkara for the kind words.

Even the opposition captain Steve Smith had hailed Pandya’s knock and said “We set it up beautifully, the first 37-38 overs. Put in ourselves a good position. Indian bowlers executed well, we executed poorly. We needed 330 plus, Hardik was magnificent in end there. Finchy played magnificently, the wicket slowed up a little bit for both teams. The ball came on for the first 35 overs in both innings, but the slowed up, when it did for us, we weren’t good enough.”

Pandya takes India home

23-year old Pandya has played just 24 ODIs so far, but his all-round ability has helped him cement a place in the limited overs side. After receiving the man of the match award, the all-rounder said “Feels pretty good, would like to finish the game next time. I don’t need to be surprised, important to back myself, saw it as an opportunity. I wanted to target the left-arm spinner, when I got a few sixes, I knew I could take some time. I try to contribute everywhere I can, I want to get better.”

Here is the tweet from the Sri Lankan legend:

Thank you for the kind words sir! ?

— hardik pandya (@hardikpandya7) September 24, 2017