India vs South Africa: Series against South Africa gives opportunity to show exactly what I've worked hard for, says Hardik Pandya

Arun Jaitley Stadium on Thursday, they had some positives on the batting front putting up a score of 211/4. Amongst them, Hardik Pandya and Dinesh Karthik were making a comeback to the T20I side. While Karthik played just two balls, Pandya provided the finishing touches with his wristy stroke-play in making an unbeaten 31 off 12 balls, laced with two fours and three sixes at a strike rate of 258.33.

Now, in a video posted by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Pandya expressed his feelings about coming back to the India T20I team after being last seen in the national side during the 2021 Men's T20 World Cup. "Playing for the country has always been special, especially after a long break. I am coming back fresh and am very excited to be back.

It gives me the opportunity to show exactly what I've worked hard for. Doing well for the country is more important, and it gives me immense pleasure. Just looking for some positives and exciting days ahead," said Pandya.

The all-rounder returned to the Indian team after leading Gujarat Titans to IPL 2022 title at their home ground in Ahmedabad, shining with an all-round performance of 3/17 with the ball and 34 with the bat. "I was happy. But for me, it was more about the battles I won against my own self and a lot of other things as well.

Winning the IPL, or to even qualifying (for playoffs) was a big deal for me because a lot of people doubted us. A lot of people frowned at us before we started. A lot of people raised a lot of questions.

A lot of things were said for me even before I made a comeback. It was never about giving them answers," recalled Pandya. He further elaborated on the routine he followed during his time off from the Indian team.