Ind vs Eng: 'Focus is white ball' says Hardik Pandya after match-winning heroics

Hardik Pandya who was written off due to his back injury a few months back has emerged as a match-winner for India.

From winning his maiden IPL trophy as a skipper to leading India successfully in Ireland to annihilating the English team with an all-round performance, Hardik Pandya has become a force to reckon with.

He racked up a 33-ball 51 with the bat and later went on to pick a 4-wicket haul to help India hand the Jos Buttler-led side a huge 50-run-defeat. He became only the second Indian to score over 50 runs and pick 3 wickets in the T20I format after Yuvraj Singh.

Exhibiting his dominance, the 28-year-old came down heavily on England's top-order, picking 3 wickets with the new ball. Pandya ousted Jason Roy, Dawid Malan, and Liam Livingstone first and went on to take Sam Curran's wicket later.

Also Read India vs England 1st T20I: Hardik Pandya shines as India thrash hosts by 50 runs

During the post-match presentation, Pandya said that he feels his performance with the bat and ball, both were important, but the bowling will take an upper hand as it became the reason behind India's momentum.

The now-fit player who has become India's strength in the shortest format of the game, however, said that his focus is on white-ball cricket currently. He further added that he will not take somebody's place in the Indian team.

'If I can play as a 100% cricketer, I will play, if I feel I can't, I won't play, however, my focus currently is white ball since the World Cups are coming', the ace-all-rounder said.