Hardik Pandya makes heartfelt gesture towards cameraman who got hit during IND vs SA 2025 5th T20I [Watch]

Star all-rounder Hardik Pandya showed his compassionate side during the fifth T20I against South Africa, where India emerged victorious by 30 runs, securing the series 3-1 on Friday, December 19.

In a heartwarming moment during the 13th over of India’s batting innings, Pandya hit a powerful six over long-off that unfortunately struck a cameraman’s shoulder. The Indian team’s physio quickly attended to the cameraman, applying ice to the bruise. After the innings concluded, Pandya stepped out of the boundary to meet the cameraman.

Pandya assessed the injury, applied ice to the shoulder, and even shared a heartfelt embrace with the cameraman before returning to the field. The cameraman, touched by Pandya’s gesture, responded with a thumbs-up and a wide smile.

The all-rounder showcased his exceptional skills with the bat, scoring a blistering 63 off just 25 balls, including five boundaries and an equal number of sixes at an impressive strike rate of 252. His stellar performance helped India set a formidable total of 231/5. Despite being slightly expensive with the ball, Pandya managed to pick up the crucial wicket of Dewald Brevis, ending with figures of 1/41 in three overs. As a result, he was awarded the ‘Player of the Match’ title.

Notably, Pandya achieved the feat of scoring the second-fastest fifty by an Indian in T20Is, reaching the milestone in just 16 balls. This remarkable achievement places him behind Yuvraj Singh, who had previously smashed a 12-ball fifty against England during the 2007 T20 World Cup. Pandya surpassed the likes of Abhishek Sharma, KL Rahul, and Suryakumar Yadav, who had achieved their half-centuries in 17, 18, and 18 balls, respectively.

The video capturing Pandya’s compassionate gesture towards the cameraman has been widely circulated, showcasing the human side of the talented cricketer. His exceptional performance on the field coupled with his kind gesture off the field truly exemplifies the spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie in cricket.

In conclusion, Hardik Pandya’s outstanding performance with the bat and his touching gesture towards the cameraman exemplify his talent, sportsmanship, and compassionate nature both on and off the field. His contributions were instrumental in India’s victory against South Africa, solidifying his reputation as a key player in the team.