Hardik Pandya’s contributions have been vital to Baroda’s strong start in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 tournament in Indore.
| Photo Credit: SHIV KUMAR PUSHPAKAR

Three matches. Three run chases. Three victories.

Baroda has had a perfect start to its Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy campaign. And at the core of its success has been star all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who is available for the entire tournament.

Never mind the clichés about everyone needing to chip in for a team to thrive, it’s hard to look beyond the overwhelming impact that Hardik’s individual brilliance with the bat has had in Baroda’s wins.

At the Holkar Stadium on Wednesday (November 27, 2024), the Krunal Pandya-led team seemed to be up against it once Tamil Nadu amassed 221 for six. At 83 for three at the halfway stage of the chase, Baroda was left needing another 139 runs at an asking rate of almost 14. Further trouble was in store as Krunal was dismissed in the 13th over.

It was the cue for Hardik to enter the scene and race to a 30-ball 69 to completely alter the game’s complexion.

“Hardik was confident that even 70 runs could be scored in the last four overs. With him, it was possible. We know that he can change the course of the game at any time. We just had to get as close as possible in the first 10 or 15 overs,” Baroda coach Mukund Parmar told The Hindu.

When Hardik was going for his shots, there was a sense of helplessness among the Tamil Nadu bowlers. It’s a feeling familiar to many who have gone up against Hardik in this tournament. In chases against Gujarat and Uttarakhand, too, he starred with unbeaten knocks of 74 and 41 respectively. None of this is surprising, given his pedigree as an India regular.

“We have seen him finishing matches for India as well. That power he has got. He looks so confident when he is at the crease. Even when there are singles to be taken, he is avoiding them because he knows he can hit 3-4 sixes in an over. The bowlers really have to bowl smartly to contain him,” the 56-year-old coach said.