{"id":232264,"date":"2025-02-05T10:37:19","date_gmt":"2025-02-05T10:37:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news.talkwithrattan.com\/index.php\/2025\/02\/05\/hardik-pandya-reveals-conversation-with-virat-kohli-during-mcg-epic-vs-pakistan-cricket-news-the-times-of-india\/"},"modified":"2025-02-05T10:37:19","modified_gmt":"2025-02-05T10:37:19","slug":"hardik-pandya-reveals-conversation-with-virat-kohli-during-mcg-epic-vs-pakistan-cricket-news-the-times-of-india","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news.talkwithrattan.com\/index.php\/2025\/02\/05\/hardik-pandya-reveals-conversation-with-virat-kohli-during-mcg-epic-vs-pakistan-cricket-news-the-times-of-india\/","title":{"rendered":"Hardik Pandya reveals conversation with Virat Kohli during MCG epic vs Pakistan | Cricket News – The Times of India"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Hardik Pandya and Virat Kohli (ICC Photo)<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

NEW DELHI: The 2022 T20 World Cup clash between India and Pakistan was one of the most thrilling encounter<\/a>s in cricket history. Fans were on the edge of their seats\u2014some with hands clasped, others biting their nails, and many drenched in sweat\u2014as they witnessed the high-octane drama unfold at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Fifties from Shan Masood and Iftikhar Ahmed helped Pakistan recover from a shaky start, setting India a target of 160. With India reeling at 31\/4, courtesy of a fiery spell from Haris Rauf, it seemed Pakistan was on course for back-to-back victories over their arch-rivals.<\/p>\n

But Virat Kohli<\/a> and Hardik Pandya<\/a> had other plans.
ALSO READ: ‘I don’t play for Hardik Pandya, I play for India’<\/a>
Kohli delivered a masterclass, remaining unbeaten on 82 off 53 balls, while Hardik Pandya provided crucial support to take the game into the final stages. Together, they orchestrated a remarkable turnaround, helping India clinch a four-wicket victory.<\/p>\n

As India edged closer, Kohli unleashed a flurry of exquisite strokes, including an unforgettable six straight over the bowler\u2019s head\u2014one of the defining moments of the match. His unbeaten 82 featured six fours and four sixes, cementing his innings as one of the greatest in T20 World Cup history.<\/p>\n

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Hardik Pandya, who played a pivotal role in India’s nail-biting win with three wickets and a crucial 40 runs, reflected on that unforgettable night in an interview with the ICC.<\/p>\n

“My first thought was obviously that we could do it. It looked like a very steep hill to climb, but for me, I\u2019ve been in many games where you don\u2019t 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, step by step. Let\u2019s see who cracks under pressure,” Pandya said.<\/p>\n

“My primary objective in this game was for Virat to play as long as possible. As soon as I walked in, my only message to him was that he had to stay until the 20th over.<\/p>\n

“When Nawaz came on to bowl, I specifically remember saying, \u2018I\u2019m going to go after him.\u2019 I knew I had to accelerate. 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\u2014we had to play risky cricket.<\/p>\n

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“As soon as we targeted him, we could see panic setting in\u2014the 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\u2019s back. 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.
Also See: ICC Champions Trophy 2025<\/a> | Champions Trophy Fixtures 2025<\/a><\/div>\n