'Foreigner hai, but just came from Australia' - Hardik Pandya's fun banter with UAE cricketer Zohair Iqbal goes viral

UAE’s emerging cricketer Zohair Iqbal recently shared an Instagram reel highlighting Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya, clutching a fun and cheerful exchange of words between the two. The video has accumulated over 7,500 likes in just 12 hours and has gone viral all over social media, particularly thanks to Hardik’s immense popularity. 

The Indian team has arrived in Dubai for the high-stakes foreseen  ICC Champions Trophy, 2025 and is all decked up for their opening match on February 20 against Bangladesh. Aa the fixture is approaching ahead, the players underwent acute and intensified practice sessions, with local cricketers, including Zohair Iqbal, assisting them in the nets. 

Later, Iqbal shared a fun clip of his interaction with Hardik Pandya to whom he bowled in the nets during one of the sessions. In the video, Hardik facetiously remarks, "Foreigner hai. Lekin abhi to Australia se aaye hai na? (He is a foreigner. But he has just come from Australia, right?)", before adding, "Dhyaan rakhna (Take care).” The fun exchange left both players instantly confused, making for a captivating and delightful moment. 

Watch the video here: 

Besides this reel, Iqbal also shared another video showing Hardik's smashing shot in the nets against his bowling in their practice session. The UAE cricketer has been making tramps in domestic circuits and has been involved in tournaments across Australia, South Africa and Swaziland as per his Instagram bio. 

Watch the video of Hardik hitting huge off Iqbal's bowling:

With his largely involving and flourishing presence in the UAE cricketing scenario, it remains to be a quest of doubts as to whether Iqbal can break into the national team shortly. Meanwhile, Hardik Pandya, who also leads Mumbai Indians in the IPL, will be back in action on February 20 when India faces Bangladesh in their Champions Trophy opener.