IND vs ENG 2025: Hardik Pandya says he has 'always played for the fans'

Hardik Pandya was criticised for his knock of 40 off 35 deliveries in the third T20I against England. However, the Baroda all-rounder bounced back in style, smashing a vital fifty in the fourth T20I at the Wankhede Stadium on Friday, January 31.

India were in a spot of bother at 79/5 in the 11th over when Hardik joined Shivam Dube at the crease. The two all-rounders stitched a match-winning 87-run partnership off 45 balls to help India set a formidable total of 181/9 in their 20 overs. England eventually fell short by 15 runs as the Men in Blue took an unassailable 3-1 lead in the five-match series. Hardik registered his fourth half-century in T20Is off just 27 balls. He was eventually dismissed after scoring a 30-ball 53, belting four fours and as many sixes.

Following his enterprising innings, the 31-year-old said that he has always played for the fans as they give him the added motivation.

"I have always been someone who has always played for the fans. When they are there, when they are chanting, it gives me that added motivation. At the same point of time, I really want to do well for them," said Pandya in a video released by the BCCI.

The Choryasi-born also said that the game of cricket has given him so much, and this keeps him honest and loyal to it.

"This sport does not wait much. Your first love always gives the kiss back. The sport has given me so much love and so many things back, I feel I always have to turn up and be very honest and loyal to the sport," he added.

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Hardik bowled just one over with the new ball and conceded 11 runs. He wasn't given another over by Suryakumar Yadav, but he had already made a massive impact, while delivering a match-winning performance with the bat.