So picture this: it’s a regular domestic T20 clash — Baroda vs Gujarat in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Baroda’s chasing a tiny target (just 74 to win), and Bowler-turned-Batsman Pandya decides to go big — smacks it hard, but ends up holing out. That shot comes off the bowling of Bishnoi. The catch is taken, and Bishnoi reacts just like any bowler would: arms up, the big celebration.
What happens next? Instead of sulking at his wicket, Pandya walks back — but not with the usual disappointment. Instead, he gives Bishnoi a high-five, then a hug. A genuine hug. And the camera catches it. That hug. That moment. And boom — social media explodes. The video goes viral.
Rivalry Off, Vibes On
The caption trending everywhere — “rivalry off, vibes on.” Because in a sport often dominated by fierce competition, that hug was like a breath of fresh air. Fans flooded X (Twitter) and other platforms praising Pandya’s sportsmanship. One user wrote, “Hardik Pandya hates none” after seeing the clip.
No grudges. No drama. Just two players acknowledging the moment — bowler got him, batsman congratulates. That simple act struck a chord.
More Than Just A Hug
The moment came at a time when Pandya has been making a strong comeback. After a long layoff due to injury, he had smashed 77* (unbeaten 77) in the previous match for Baroda.
So perhaps this hug wasn’t just about that wicket. Maybe it was about perspective — winning, losing, form, comeback, competition. But also about respect. About sport. Sometimes cricket isn’t just about runs and wickets — it’s about spirit.
That moment when Hardik Pandya hugged Ravi Bishnoi after being dismissed — it wasn’t just a hug. It was a subtle but powerful statement: competition doesn’t need bitterness. Cricket doesn’t need hostility. Respect, sportsmanship, kindness — they matter just as much.
