Having lost the first Test by 72 runs in a low scoring game at Newlands, Cape Town, on Monday, all-rounder Hardik Pandya promised India will return "harder and stronger" in Pretoria, where India are scheduled to play the second match of three-Test series from January 13 to 17.
"Grateful for all your wishes and support throughout the first Test. Disappointed that we fell short the way we did. We will come back harder and stronger in Pretoria! #SAvIND," Pandya said in a tweet.
The 24-year-old all-rounder appeared in a great shape in Cape Town as he scored a notable 93-run knock in India's first innings and claimed three wickets in successive innings.
Chasing a humble target of 208 runs, Pandya couldn't perform well with the willow and lost his wicket for just one run in the second innings. However, Pandya continued receiving praise from the fans and bigwigs of cricket world.
"One's stature as a player increases when one scores overseas and against an attack comprising Steyn, Rabada, Morkel and Philander when everyone else has struggled, Hardik Pandya shows how it is done. Privilege to watch that 93," former India batsman Mohammad Kaif had tweeted.
"Hardik Pandya didn't just attack. This was a sensible, cleverly played innings. Has risen many notches as a player," cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle said.
Former India batsman Aakash Chopra joined in, saying "Some 90s are more valuable than many 100s....Pandya’s innings of 93 was one of those. Well played. #SAvIND."
"The thing about Hardik Pandya’s innings was that he played the unorthodox shots out of choice & not out of insecurity. Absolutely brilliant innings! #SAvIND #HardikPandya," Sanjay Manjrekar wrote on Twitter.
