Legendary South African fast bowler Dale Steyn has lavished extraordinary praise on Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya, describing him as a 'superhero' operating on a different mental plane. This came after Pandya's explosive batting performance powered India to a commanding 30-run victory in the fifth T20 International against South Africa in Ahmedabad on Friday, December 20.
Steyn's Superhero Analogy for Pandya's Dominance
Speaking on JioStar, Steyn was in awe of Pandya's match-winning innings of 63 runs, which included the second-fastest T20I fifty for India. The Proteas great stated that Pandya has moved beyond being just a sportsman into the realm of a celebrity with an unmatched aura.
"Hardik was fantastic — he's transcended sportsman into celebrity territory, walking out like a superhero in a scripted movie plot where nobody alters his plan," Steyn remarked. He emphasized that this was not about a bad attitude but about pure dominance and an unbreakable mental strength.
"It's not a bad attitude; it's pure dominance, an aura where nobody else can match what he does. You see it in his stance and presence — he's operating at another level mentally, unbreakable in a game that's all about mental battles. All these players are skilled, but he's elevated beyond," Steyn added.
The Bumrah Effect and South Africa's Cautious Approach
Steyn did not hold back in criticising the visiting South African batters' strategy against India's premier bowlers, Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakaravarthy. He termed their cautious approach a tactical error that ultimately backfired while chasing a mammoth target of 232.
"It's the Bumrah effect — you can't let him bowl four overs without damage. South Africa played it safe, surviving him while attacking others, but once he got Quinton de Kock, it triggered Hardik's wicket, then Chakaravarthy's flow," Steyn analysed.
He argued that when chasing a score in excess of 230, a team must adopt an aggressive mindset against all bowlers, including the best. "Chasing 230-240 demands fighting fire with fire, you can't let elite bowlers dictate. Bumrah always creates that window for others — South Africa should've gone after him harder, as he'll get you out anyway if you just wait," Steyn concluded.
Chakaravarthy's Clear Edge Over Proteas' Middle Order
The former pace spearhead also acknowledged the significant advantage mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy holds over the South African batting lineup, particularly in the middle overs.
Steyn pointed out that many South African batters struggle to read Chakaravarthy's variations. While captain Aiden Markram reads him the best, even he often falls to the spinner because of his aggressive intent. Others, like Donovan Ferreira, get completely deceived by his subtle changes in pace and uncertain spin.
"He has a clear edge over their middle order; even Markram’s now cautious, which is the last mindset a batter wants against him," Steyn admitted, highlighting the psychological hold the Indian bowler has established.
The victory was set up by a brilliant batting display. Alongside Pandya's fireworks, young Tilak Varma scored a fluent 73, helping India post an imposing total that proved too much for the visitors despite their efforts.
