Hardik Pandya takes 2-22 on return to competitive cricket at DY Patil T20 Cup (ld)
Navi Mumbai, Feb 26 (IANS) Fast-bowling all-rounder Hardik Pandya made a stellar comeback to competitive cricket action, picking up 2-22 at the DY Patil T20 Cup. He captained Reliance 1 in a thrilling match against Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited on Monday.
At the DY Patil Cricket Academy, Pandya shined with the ball, dismissing Eknath Kerkar and Rahul Tripathi. He then batted at No.10, scoring an unbeaten three off four balls as Reliance 1 clinched a two-wicket victory in a tense chase of 126 runs.
Pandya had been sidelined due to a left ankle injury since the 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup in October. He underwent a long recovery and rehab process before returning to the field. In December, he was named Mumbai Indians’ captain for IPL 2024.
In the DY Patil T20 Cup, Pandya leads a strong Reliance 1 side comprising notable players like Tilak Verma, Nehal Wadhera, and Piyush Chawla. The tournament also sees participation from top players like Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, and Shreyas Iyer.
Kishan, who withdrew from India’s Test tour of South Africa, is set to feature for the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) team. The tournament provides these players with much-needed game time ahead of the upcoming IPL season, starting on March 22.
The DY Patil T20 Cup features 16 teams divided into four groups. The knockout stage will begin on March 7, with the tournament culminating in the semifinals and final on March 9. Players like Suryakumar and Shreyas aim to regain full fitness and form through this competition.
The competition serves as a crucial platform for Indian cricketers to prepare for the IPL by representing their respective office teams. Fans eagerly anticipate the exciting matches and look forward to witnessing top players showcasing their skills on the field.
