South Africa head coach Shukri Conrad openly expressed his astonishment after Hardik Pandya did not receive the Player of the Series award following India’s T20I series against the Proteas. Despite spinner Varun Chakaravarthy being named the official winner, Conrad firmly believes Pandya was the standout performer and the decisive factor separating the two teams throughout the series.
Making a strong comeback, Hardik Pandya delivered impactful performances with both bat and ball. Across four matches, the Indian all-rounder amassed 142 crucial runs and picked up three wickets, repeatedly shifting momentum in India’s favour. His most memorable contribution came in the fifth and final T20I at the Narendra Modi Stadium, where he smashed a blistering 63 off just 25 deliveries, striking five fours and five sixes at a staggering strike rate of 252. With the ball, Pandya removed Dewald Brevis at a critical juncture, halting South Africa’s charge.
Speaking after the match, Conrad acknowledged Pandya’s influence, stating that even Jasprit Bumrah’s excellence was overshadowed by the all-rounder’s impact. According to the South African coach, Pandya’s knocks in multiple games directly dictated the outcome of the series, underlining why he is regarded as one of the world’s finest T20 players.
The series further cemented Hardik Pandya’s reputation as India’s most valuable white-ball all-rounder. During the contest, he achieved major milestones, becoming the first fast-bowling all-rounder to register 2000 runs and 100 wickets in T20 internationals, while also joining an elite global list of all-rounders to reach the landmark. After overcoming injury setbacks earlier in the year, Pandya’s return has reinforced his status as a match-winner and a vital pillar of India’s T20I setup.
