Hardik Pandya, the self-confessed MSD acolyte and disciple, once again proved to be critical in the unmatched clash of the Asian giants with India getting the better of arch-rival Pakistan in Dubai in their opening encounter of the Asia Cup 2022. Hardik bowled superbly getting 3 wickets and batted in characteristic MSD style while chasing under pressure to take India across the finish line in the last over. His non-chalant demeanour and absolute calmness in holding the nerve amid the high voltage India-Pak rivalry had clear shades and streaks of the original master & legend of the finishing game, MSD, and hardik's inning simply brought the memories of MSD's on-field heroics alive! He himself said in the post match presentation that staying calm under pressure is something he learnt from Dhoni as an invaluable trait and it makes him assess and respond to situations better while navigating his course to the finish line. Here's Hardik in a conversation with ESPN CricInfo as to how MSD influenced and shaped his thinking, temperament witn the infusion of calmness and approach to the game as a mentor, guru and elder bro.

To our legendary Maverick+Ice Man and the original master of finishing...

Heil MSD!