"Told my partner I am going to step out" - Team India star's big revelation on first-ball six in 5th IND vs SA 2025 T20I

Team India all-rounder Hardik Pandya revealed that the first-ball six he hit in the fifth T20I against South Africa was a premeditated stroke. He added that he even told his batting partner beforehand that he would step down the track first ball and attempt to hit a six.

India beat South Africa by 30 runs in the fifth and final T20I of the series at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Friday, December 19. Sent into bat by the Proteas, the hosts posted 231-5 in their 20 overs. While Tilak Varma top-scored with 73 off 42 balls, Pandya clobbered 63 off just 25 deliveries.

Pandya struck five fours and as many sixes in his sensational knock. He began his innings in stunning fashion, stepping down the pitch and clubbing the first ball he faced from Corbin Bosch for a six over long off. Speaking at the post-match presentation ceremony, the all-rounder opened up on his mindset.

"Today I just felt it. I told my partner as well that I am going to step out the first ball and try to hit a six. I was quite sure that it is going to come true," the 32-year-old said.

After beginning his innings with a six, Pandya took on George Linde in the next over and clubbed him for two fours and two sixes - one of the sixes was 97m long. Sharing his thoughts on the assault, the Indian star said:

"The situation was tailor-made. At the same point of time, I backed myself. He bowled well against me in Chandigarh. Today, I had the opportunity, so wanted to take him down."

During the knock, Pandya hit the second fastest fifty by an Indian in T20Is (16 balls). He, however, downplayed the achievement and asserted that he is happy about Yuvraj Singh (12 balls) holding the record.

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"Have never played cricket to win Man of the Match awards" - Hardik Pandya after 5th IND vs SA 2025 T20I

While there were a number of impressive performances in the game, Pandya was chosen as Player of the Match. Speaking about the honor, the experienced all-rounder philosophically commented:

"I have never played cricket to win Man of the Match awards. I have played the sport to win games and it's always exciting to win games when you do well."

On battling constant injury and fitness issues, Pandya stated that he is willing to come back hard every time. He said:

"Irrespective of how many times you are out, you always try to come and make a big impact - come bigger, better and stronger. That has always been the motto. The journey keeps going on - the preparation, the planning, the hard work never stops."

While Pandya was named Player of the Match for his batting heroics in Ahmedabad, Varun Chakaravarthy won the Player of the Series award for claiming 10 wickets at an average of 11.20.

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Edited by Renin Wilben Albert