Picture Credit: Twitter/@BCCI
After losing the first T20I against South Africa in a disappointing fashion, the Men in Blue are looking ready to get their first win of the series. The Indian team arrived in Cuttack and were seen at the Barabati Stadium in the evening for their training session.
Similarly, fans were also allowed during the practice session, which completely changed the atmosphere inside the stadium. The ground was replicating an important match where the Men in Blue needed every ounce of support for toppling their opponents. Likewise, the Indian players also gave their fans a show as the stand-in India captain Rishabh Pant and vice-captain Hardik Pandya were seen smashing big sixes.
"I have always worked hard and not worried about the results," Pandya
This India - South Africa tour is going to be crucial for Hardik Pandya who made a comeback to international cricket after dealing with major injuries. Addressing his comeback, the Gujarat Titans captain talked about the sacrifices for returning to the international stage.
"A lot of things were said about me before I made a comeback. For me, it was never about giving them answers. I was proud of the process I followed, no one knows exactly what I went through during the six months off," Hardik said.
"I got up at 5 am in the morning to make sure I trained and trained at 4 for the second time in a day to make sure I gave myself enough rest. I have slept for almost those 4 months at 9:30 pm. A lot of sacrifices were made but for me, it was the battle that I had before playing the IPL. It was satisfying to see the results.”
He also talked about the hard work he has put in, not worrying of the results. To this he further added, "that’s the reason I don’t get too excited when I do something special. It is not about that particular moment, it’s about the journey that kind of comes with it".