Your first love always kisses you back: Hardik Pandya on his love for cricket

India’s ace all-rounder, Hardik Pandya, put on quite a show with the bat in the fourth T20I against England in Pune on January 31 (Friday). 

The Men in Blue were struggling at 79/5 when Pandya walked out to bat, and the 31-year-old smashed 53 off 30, adding 87 runs for the sixth wicket alongside Shivam Dube (53 off 34), to give India a good total of 181/9.

In reply, England were bowled out for 166 in 19.4 overs, conceding the series to India with a game to go. India now lead the five-match series 3-1.

"Batting has always been my number one (love) or close to my heart. That's a very satisfying day (on Friday), and at the same point of time before sleeping (it) gives me a wonderful feeling and I've always had a good sleep post that," Pandya said in a video posted by BCCI on 'X'.

"For me, I love this sport way too much; it's been my life, it's been my priority, it's been my first love. The sport does not wait much, your first love always gives you the kiss back. The sport has given me so much love that I always feel like I have to turn up and be very, very honest and very loyal to the sport.”

Pandya also played a massive role in India winning the 2024 T20 World Cup. Talking about his relationship with the fans, Pandya said: "I have always been someone who has played for the fans. When fans are there, when fans are chanting, it gives me the added motivation. At the same point of time, I really want to do well for them.

“A lot of things have changed post World Cup. I really love to entertain the crowd and make sure every penny what they've spent is worth it.”