Malahide: India skipper Hardik Pandya gifted Ireland’s Harry Tector a bat after the latter’s outstanding performance in the rain-affected first T20I between India and Ireland.
Pandya praised the 22-year-old, who smashed a scorching 64 off 33 balls, saying he has the talent to compete in all competitions across the world, not only the IPL.
“He played some fantastic shots, and obviously, he’s 22, I’ve given him a bat as well, so maybe he can score some more sixes and maybe get an IPL contract, and I wish him luck. Just look after him well, give him the right guidance. It’s not always about cricket; it’s about understanding your whole lifestyle and what is there at stake. If you can manage that, I’m sure he’s going to be around – not just in IPL, in all the leagues in the world,” the Indian skipper said.
"I've given a bat to Harry Tector, So he can score some more sixes and get an IPL contract, I wish him luck." – Hardik Pandya#INDvsIRE #HardikPandya pic.twitter.com/Um89AleSGk
— Rahul Choudhary (@Rahulc7official) June 27, 2022
Pandya also gave Chamika Karunaratne of Sri Lanka a bat last year.
“Absolutely pleased to have gotten a bat from my role model @hardikpandya93 on my T20 debut,” the Sri Lankan star said on Instagram. You are a fantastic human being, and your considerate gift has genuinely impacted me. This is a day I’ll never forget. May God continue to bless you!”
India defeated Ireland by seven wickets on Sunday, with Harry Tector hitting a 33-ball 64 packed with six boundaries and three sixes to raise Ireland from 22 for three to 100 after rain reduced the match to a 12-over a side game.
India then rebounded to score 111 for three in 9.2 overs, with to Deepak Hooda’s unbeaten 29-ball 47. Ishan Kishan (26 off 11 balls) and Hardik Pandya (24 off 12 balls) both contributed significantly. The standout bowlers for India were Bhuvneshwar Kumar (1/16 in 3 overs) and Yuzvendra Chahal (1/11 in 3 overs).
