Hardik Pandya reveals how MS Dhoni helped him during the knock

After Hardik Pandya, MS Dhoni and Bhuvneshwar Kumar staged a comeback in the innings after the rest of the batting order faltered, Hardik revealed that he was in a constant discussion in regards to strategy with Dhoni as they went on to build a 118-run stand that helped India post a commendable 281 on the board.

The 23-year-old Baroda all-rounder hit his highest ODI score of 83 in just 66 balls and brought momentum back in India’s favour after the hosts were reeling at 11 for 3 inside the first six overs of the innings. Pandya joined Dhoni in the middle when India were at 5 for 87. When the Australians were eyeing to continue inflicting a collapse, the two batsmen focused on rotating the strike and did the repair job.

In the 37th over of the match, the all-rounder started a carnage, as he smashed leg-spinner Adam Zampa for three straight sixes after a boundary. The over cost 24 runs for the Australians and also injected hope into the Indian innings.

Pandya continued to take the pressure off Dhoni but was dismissed as Zampa had the last laugh in the 41st over. However, he did not leave without putting India in a position they could come back from. The wicketkeeper-batsman then continued and stitched a 72-run stand with tail-ender Bhuvneshwar Kumar before getting out for 79 in the final over.

What Pandya said after his carnage

Dhoni’s position in the team was being questioned after his contemporaries Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina were not backed for the limited-overs series against Sri Lanka. However, all talks were put to rest as the 36-year-old proved his worth with some crucial knocks against the hosts and continued his good form in the first game against the mighty Aussies.

Pandya, when asked about how he went about the innings after a disastrous collapse, along with Dhoni said, “They [Australia] were on top, and the pressure was there. We [India] lost wickets, and it was important for me to make a partnership with MSD [Dhoni]. We were speaking how we needed to change things up. When me and Mahi bhai were batting we were looking at 230. I will take 280.”

“I was trying to hit out before the Zampa over as well. Generally my plan is hitting straight – I don’t care if long-off is there or long-on is there. If I connect well, I know I will clear the boundary,” he added.

Pandya highlighted the importance of having Dhoni in the dressing room, saying that he will continue to learn the nuances of the game from the legendary cricketer. Because Hardik had been termed as the successor for the finisher, it only makes sense that the youngster seeks advice from the cricketer who set the standards for that job.

“It is a pleasure to play with him. I mean, I have learnt a lot from him, still learning,” Pandya said after his knock.