Skipper Virat Kohli lavished praise on Hardik Pandya after Indian team registered an emphatic victory over the Australians in the third One-Day International match held at the Holkar Stadium in Indore on September 24. India rode on allround performance from Hardik Pandya to defeat Australia by five wickets in their third ODI. Chasing a target of 294 runs, India crossed the line in 47.5 overs. India thus took an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series.
“Hardik Pandya is a star, we wanting a cricketer like him in the squad from really long time,” skipper Virat Kohli said during the post-match presentation.
“Hardik Pandya is an asset for the Indian team. He is a hard-working man. I wished him best for the future,” Virat Kohli added.
Later, Virat Kohli took to his Twitter account to share a video in which he could be seen acknowledging Hardik Pandya as a “Rockstar”.
Ladies and gentlemen, here is the man of the moment @hardikpandya7(Also @klrahul11 at the back)
Great win, series clinched #NumberOne pic.twitter.com/umyvk0IW7x— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) September 24, 2017
Hardik Pandya played a match winning knock of 78 runs off just 72 balls. During his stay in the middle, he smashed five fours and four sixes. He smashed Australians bowlers all-around the park with ease. He awarded Man of the Match for his brilliant performance.
@BCCI seemed to canter to the series win. @hardikpandya7 is a very special player. India looks a complete side for all conditions
— Kumar Sangakkara (@KumarSanga2) September 24, 2017
With this win, India skipper Virat Kohli has equalled predecessor Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s record run of nine ODI wins on the trot.
Dhoni’s winning streak as captain stretched from February 2008 to January 2009. Kohli’s winning run started on July 26 this year.
4th ODI Fifty for @hardikpandya7 Paytm #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/YJl4Um2eMm
— BCCI (@BCCI) September 24, 2017
Earlier, Steve Smith won the toss and he opted to bat first. Australians set the target of 294 runs for the Indians.
For Australia, Aaron Ficnh top scored with 124 off 125 balls. For India, Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav picked up 2 wickets each.
