India, Dec. 10 -- Hardik Pandya marked a pitch-perfect return to Indian colours as his all-round effort helped the hosts gain a 1-0 lead in the five-match T20I series against South Africa at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack on Tuesday. India were in a spot of bother at 78/4 in the 12th over, but it was then that Hardik showed his class, hitting an unbeaten 59 off 28 balls, helping India post 175/6 in the allotted twenty overs. In the end, this score proved sufficient as the Proteas capitulated for just 74, resulting in a 101-run win for the hosts.

Even with the ball, Hardik Pandya scalped one wicket as he got the better of David Miller. Hence, it is no surprise that the all-rounder was adjudged as Player of the Match. It is worth mentioni...