WI v IND 2023: Hardik Pandya’s special gesture after 3rd T20I victory wins hearts

Hardik Pandya. (Photo Source: Twitter)

India defeated West Indies by seven wickets in the third T20I in Guyana to put the score at 2-1 with two more games to play. West Indies had a great chance to seal the series before the USA leg as they had to beat India to take an unassailable 3-0 lead. However, a vintage knock from Suryakumar Yadav (83 off 44) and another impressive outing from Tilak Varma (49* off 37) helped the tourists in their chase of 160. In the end, skipper Hardik Pandya took India home in a canter, hitting a six off Rovman Powell to finish proceedings.

Before the third T20I, Hardik, who had a quiet couple of games, practised some pull shots alongside batting coach Vikram Rathour. Unfortunately, one of his pulls went over the nets and hit a young fan, who was sitting in a nearby stand on the chin. The talismanic all-rounder expressed his concern for the girl and asked BCCI medical team to ensure that she is okay. Hardik also asked the fan to stay back after the game as he had something special to give to her.

The 29-year-old kept his promise as he gifted the fan a signed match ball after completing his interview in the post-match presentation ceremony. Hardik still had his pads on as he had just finished the game with an enormous hit. The experienced player jumped up to reach the stand where the girl was standing and handed her the signed ball, and waved to her with a smile before leaving. The young female fan was quite pleased after getting a memorable souvenir from her favourite player. Hardik’s kind gesture has won the hearts of fans on social media, and moments like these make the sport special.

India and the West Indies will now travel to the USA to play the last couple of T20Is in the series. The fourth match will be played on Saturday, August 12, in Florida.