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After India sealed the ODI series by 2-1, the action in Colombo shifted to the shortest format of the game on Sunday. As the 3-match T20I series got set to kick off at the R Premadasa Stadium, the fans got to witness something very extraordinary on the field. When Sri Lanka's national anthem was being played and the players of the home side were singing it quite passionately, there was another player on the field who joined them - India's all-rounder Hardik Pandya.
When the camera focused on Hardik, the 26-year-old was seen humming the mesmerizing national anthem of the home side - Sri Lanka Matha. The anthem, composed by Ananda Samarakoon, is one of the most loved melodies across the globe, especially in India. It might be so beautiful that even Hardik Pandya couldn't control himself from singing it, alongside Sri Lankan players on Sunday.
Watch the video here:
Fans hail Hardik Pandya for showing respect to the opponents
Hardik Pandya is one of those cricketers who gels up quite well with the players of other nations. His friendship with West Indies captain Kieron Pollard is a reflection of his attitude on and off the field. The 27-year-old plays his cricket with an incredible sportsman sprit and his actions on Sunday was another glimpse of the same.
The fans were quite amazed to see Hardik singing the national anthem of Sri Lanka. While few wondered how he knew the lyrics, the others were just happy to see a young player setting up a right example for young kids watching the game. A Twitter user termed this moment as priceless and hailed Hardik for showing respect to the opponents.
Here are the best reactions:
Talking about Hardik Pandya's form coming into this match, he has been under a bit of criticism for failing to make an impact with both bat and ball. He has had a long time nursing his back injury and is finally getting into the rhythm. With the upcoming 2021 T20 World Cup in sight, the T20I series against Sri Lanka is going to be very crucial for Hardik as he would be raring to get some runs and wickets behind his back.