Hardik Pandya Steals The Show With No-Look Ramp Shot In Team India's T20I Triumph Against Bangladesh - Watch

In a match that was poised to be a routine T20I between India and Bangladesh, it was Hardik Pandya who once again proved why he is the man for the big moments. As India stormed to a seven-wicket victory in the first T20I of the series in Gwalior, Pandya's audacious no-look ramp shot and his all-around performance became the talking point for cricket fans and pundits alike.

Only good thing in this boring match..Hardik Pandya Swag _ pic.twitter.com/lrjmYTWyUL

— Gagan__ (@1no_aalsi_) October 6, 2024

Pandya’s Moment of Magic

The moment that sent social media into a frenzy came during the 12th over of India's chase. With 12 runs required to seal the win, Taskin Ahmed delivered a short ball angled into Pandya’s body. Most players would have looked to play it conservatively, but not Pandya. Instead, the all-rounder played an outrageous no-look ramp shot, flicking the ball over the wicketkeeper’s head without even bothering to see where it landed. The killer look he shot at Taskin after executing the shot summed up the swagger with which Pandya operates in pressure situations. The shot went viral almost instantly, with fans comparing it to some of the best no-look shots in cricket history.

India's Bowling Dominance Sets the Stage

Opting to bowl first, India put Bangladesh on the back foot early. Arshdeep Singh and Varun Chakravarthy were the stars with the ball, each claiming three wickets and ensuring Bangladesh never found momentum. Mehidy Hasan Miraz (35) was the lone Bangladeshi batter to show resistance, but his innings wasn’t enough to push Bangladesh to a challenging total. Eventually, they were bowled out for a below-par 127, giving India the upper hand right from the start.

Varun Chakravarthy's Career-Best Performance

Returning to T20I cricket after an extended hiatus, Varun Chakravarthy reminded everyone of his prowess with a career-best performance. His mix of leg breaks and mystery deliveries baffled the Bangladeshi middle-order, finishing with figures of 3 for 18 in his four overs. Chakravarthy’s spell was crucial in choking the flow of runs and causing Bangladesh to stumble from one misstep to another.

A Smooth Chase Led by Samson and Pandya

India's chase was never in doubt, but it wasn’t without a few hiccups. Sanju Samson (29) and Suryakumar Yadav (29) provided the initial impetus with calculated aggression, both timing their strokes to perfection. However, their dismissals left the team needing 50 more runs, setting the stage for Pandya's entry. Alongside debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy (16 not out), Pandya ensured there were no further slip-ups.

Pandya’s innings was a masterclass in finishing. His 39 off 16 balls included two sixes and five boundaries, each executed with a mix of power and finesse. He wrapped up the match in style with a commanding pull shot over mid-wicket, sealing India’s win with 49 balls to spare—a staggering margin in a T20 match.

The Rise of Nitish Kumar Reddy

Though Pandya grabbed the headlines, debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy quietly played a pivotal role, anchoring the other end as Pandya went berserk. Reddy’s unbeaten 16 off 11 balls may not seem much on paper, but his ability to rotate the strike and keep a cool head while Pandya launched his assault was crucial to India’s victory.

Pandya’s All-Round Brilliance

Beyond his eye-catching strokeplay, Pandya also contributed with the ball, taking one wicket while conceding just 26 runs in his four overs. This all-round performance reiterated Pandya’s value to the Indian T20 setup, making him one of the most feared all-rounders in the world today. His ability to change the course of a match with both bat and ball continues to elevate India’s chances in the shortest format.

What’s Next for Team India?

With a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, India heads to Delhi for the second T20I at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on October 9. Bangladesh will need to regroup quickly if they are to avoid another drubbing, while India will look to continue their dominant run. All eyes will again be on Pandya—can he pull off more magic in the capital?