It was one of the most stunning wins for India over arch-rivals Pakistan in the T20I World Cup 2022 match at MCG when they staged a come-from-behind victory on the back of batting star Virat Kohli’s sensational 82-run knock

The win went down as one of the best victories in the history of white-ball cricket. All hopes were lost. But, batting star Virat Kohli’s special innings played a crucial role in inspiring India to a thundering four-wicket victory. Kohli had produced two breathtaking sixes off Haris Rauf to put India back into the game. 

Apart from Kohli, Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya also defied all odds, stitching a 113-run partnership with Kohli to yank India out of trouble. Their partnership came at the time when India were struggling at 31/4, with Pakistan bowlers causing early damage. Reflecting on the victory, Hardik Pandya recalled those surreal moments that unfolded during those tense times. 

“My first thought was obviously that we could do it. It looked like a very steep hill to climb, but for me, I’ve been in many games where you don’t lose a battle until you give up, right? So, it was about believing in ourselves, staying at the crease, and taking the game ball by ball. Let’s see who cracks under pressure," Pandya said in an interview posted by ICC. 

"My primary objective in this game was for Virat to play as long as possible. As soon as I went in, my only message to him was that he had to stay until the 20th over."

“I have taken great pride in playing as per the situation. I don’t play for Hardik Pandya. I play for the team - I play for India. That is the goal. I don’t give myself too much importance when I am coming in, when I am going out. It is to do the job in the best way. whether it’s facing two balls at the end or batting for 60 balls.”

“It was When Nawaz came. I specifically remember saying, ‘I’m going to go after him.’ I knew I had to press the accelerator. I knew that if the ball landed in my arc, I was going to attack. It was a great opportunity for us to win the game by being fearless because there was no room left for holding ourselves back. So, we had to play risky cricket.

"As soon as we targeted him, we saw a panic with the way players were running around on the field.

"Pure emotion, man. We were so excited. That shot (off Haris Rauf) was like breaking the opponent’s back. It kind of sent a statement to the bowler, who had to bowl in front of 90-100,000 fans and millions watching back home. When you stay in the fight, you stay in the hunt, and a lot of things start going your way. This is one of those iconic games that will always be remembered," Pandya said.