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India all-rounder Hardik Pandya clinched the ‘Impact Player’ medal for his outstanding fielding efforts during the Suryakumar Yadav-led side's last Group Stage clash against Oman at Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
The Mumbai Indians (MI) captain displayed some impressive fielding efforts and executed a nearly impossible catch near the ropes to dismiss the opposition’s opening batter, Aamir Kaleem, who played a memorable knock and scored 64 runs off 46 deliveries to mount pressure on the Men in Blue.
It was Harshit Rana's ball that was included in India's playing XI for the first time after missing the first two clashes. He bowled an off-cutter on the pads as Kaleem got on his knees looking to sweep it over deep third man, but was unable to connect the ball as he wished to. Pandya put in a brilliant effort to complete a stunning running catch on the fence.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shared a video of their medal ceremony tradition, which was started during the ODI World Cup 2023. In the ceremony, head coach Gautam Gambhir asked the squad’s training assistant Dayanand Garani to announce the winner.
After receiving the honour, Pandya, in his speech, said, “I think we had a very good game today as a group. We were tested. It was hot. But at the same point of time everyone came and played their role. On 21st, it’s just another game. Let’s play the game when it’s played, not before it. Good luck, guys.”
After receiving the medal, Pandya dedicated the medal to Garani and his team and put it around his neck, saying, “I would like to give this (medal) to Daya from my side. Daya, you can keep this from me. This is for the effort you guys put in while giving us fielding drills.”
After defeating Oman by 21 runs, India will now play the Super Four clash of the Asia Cup 2025, which will take place on September 21 at Dubai International Stadium in Dubai.
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