NEW DELHI: Despite being an all-rounder, Hardik Pandya cherishes his batting exploits because they provide him with a "wonderful feeling" each time he leads India to win and makes significant runs.
In the fourth Twenty20 International against England on Friday, Pandya put on another outstanding batting display, finishing the game in Pune with 53 runs, tied with Shivam Dube as the top scorer.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!In addition to leading India to a victory by 15 runs, his half-century gave the home team an insurmountable 3-1 lead in the five-match series.
"Batting has always been my number one (love) or close to my heart. That's a very satisfying day (on Friday), and at the same point of time before sleeping (it) gives me a wonderful feeling and I've always had a good sleep post that," the all-rounder said in a video posted by BCCI on 'X'.
Pandya, who was instrumental with the ball in India's victory over South Africa to win the T20 World Cup in the West Indies last year, stated that cricket is his life and his top priority.
"For me, I love this sport way too much; it's been my life, it's been my priority, it's been my first love. The sport does not wait much, your first love always gives you the kiss back," he said.
"The sport has given me so much love that I always feel like I have to turn up and be very, very honest and very loyal to the sport," said Pandya, who bagged three wickets in the final against South Africa as India lifted their second T20 World Cup trophy after a gap of 17 years.
Pandya went on to say that his fans are his greatest asset and that he tries to make them happy as much as he can.
"I have always been someone who has played for the fans. When fans are there, when fans are chanting, it gives me the added motivation. At the same point of time, I really want to do well for them," he said.
It was a dream come true to win the T20 World Cup in the Americas, and Pandya admits that since his worldwide triumph, a lot has changed for him.
"A lot of things have changed post World Cup. I really love to entertain the crowd and make sure every penny what they've spent is worth it," he added.
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