India, Dec. 10 -- If there were any doubts over Hardik Pandya's fitness, the all-rounder put them to rest. Hardik's first match since his injury during the Asia Cup 2025 was a huge success. He took 1/16 with the ball and scored an unbeaten 59 to help India demolish South Africa by 101 runs in Cuttack and take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. Hardik's presence has always been a huge boost for India. Had he been a part of the World Cup final, who knows what the result could have been? With the T20 World Cup just a couple of months away, Hardik's return to action, remaining fit and injury-free, was something everyone wanted; and on Tuesday evening, he did not disappoint.

After the match, Hardik, who was adjudged the Player of the Match,...