In a display of raw power and genuine sportsmanship, Hardik Pandya became the talk of the town on Friday, December 19, 2025. While his “beast mode” 63-run knock propelled India to a massive victory over South Africa, it was a quiet moment at the boundary ropes that truly went viral.
The Incident: A 100-Meter Misfortune
During the 13th over of the Indian innings, Pandya launched a flat, ferocious straight six off Corbin Bosch that cleared the long-off boundary with ease. However, the ball struck a boundary-side cameraman directly on the shoulder.
- The Impact: The crew member, who was focused on filming the Indian dugout, had little time to react to the high-velocity strike.
- Team Reaction: The Indian dugout, including coach Gautam Gambhir and a padded-up Shivam Dube, were seen reacting in concern as the medical staff rushed to the scene.
The Gesture: Applying the Ice Pack
As soon as the innings concluded, Pandya did not head to the dressing room to celebrate his half-century. Instead, he sprinted straight to the boundary to find the cameraman.
- Hands-on Care: Images and videos from the stadium show Pandya personally checking the bruise, helping the team physio apply an ice pack to the man’s shoulder, and offering a warm hug by way of apology.
- All’s Well: The cameraman, despite the pain, was seen smiling as he “hugged it out” with the Indian star, a moment that drew a massive roar from the Ahmedabad crowd.
Match Highlights: India Seals Series 3-1
The fifth and final T20I was a run-fest that saw India emerge victorious by 30 runs, ending their 2025 T20I calendar on a high.
| Statistic | Details |
| India’s Total | 231/5 (20 Overs) |
| Top Scorers | Tilak Varma (73 off 42), Hardik Pandya (63 off 25) |
| Pandya’s Record | 16-ball Fifty (Second-fastest for India in T20Is) |
| SA’s Response | 201/8 (20 Overs) — Quinton de Kock (65) |
| Bowling Hero | Varun Chakravarthy (4/53) |
Series Recap: * Match 1: India won by 101 runs.
- Match 2: South Africa won by 51 runs.
- Match 3: India won by 7 wickets.
- Match 4: Abandoned due to fog in Lucknow.
- Match 5: India won by 30 runs.
What’s Next for Team India?
The Men in Blue have now secured their 10th consecutive T20I series win. They will next host New Zealand for a white-ball series (3 ODIs, 5 T20Is) starting January 11, 2026, as part of the final preparations for the 2026 T20 World Cup.