Hardik Pandya’s journeyman tag underwent a stunning evolution during the last series Down Under when he proved his game-changing abilities in the one-dayers and T20Is.

His unbeaten 92 in the Canberra ODI and a match-winning 42 not out off 22 balls in the second T20I at the Sydney Cricket Ground revealed his growing maturity and stature in the team. With silver-quick reflexes, he has proved the ability to swing games with his high-octane batting and it does bode well in a World Cup year.

Hardik will once again be India’s best bet in finishing matches, in the absence of Mahendra Singh Dhoni, when the T20I series against England gets underway at the Motera stadium in Ahmedabad on Friday.

The 27-year-old possesses the attitude and spirit which invokes the fear factor in an opponent. Virat Kohli knows well that his aggression can upset rivals’ game plan and the captain would be keen to unleash his trump card in the death overs.

Having gone through a career-threatening back injury, he had surgery in September 2019 after the World Cup. Then Covid-19 struck and Hardik vowed to utilise the time to return stronger.

What really was stunning in Australia was the wiry all-rounder’s ability to clear the long boundaries comfortably. No hara-kiri, it was pure simple hitting with blistering gusto.

It was Hardik’s efforts to utilise the spare time during the pandemic with brother Krunal that paid rich dividends. In late April, almost one month into lockdown, the brothers realised that with IPL not happening as scheduled they couldn’t let their guard down.

At their luxurious 6,000 square feet penthouse in Vadodara, they decided it was time to get serious and look into their fitness regimen. Hardik decided on two changes in his lifestyle that contributed significantly to his strength and conditioning.

“He decided to turn vegetarian and gave up on non-veg food completely. It was remarkable. Then he concentrated more on Pilates set of exercises besides the regular gym sessions. The workouts helped him gain muscle power in his shoulders and lower back,” someone in the know of things told The Telegraph.

“He took his diet very seriously. While most players gained weight, Hardik’s physique underwent tremendous transformation. By the time he joined the Mumbai Indians’ camp in July, he was in prime shape.”

With his new fitness goals, Hardik can challenge Kohli when it comes to meeting standards on the field.

“The diet-and-exercise regimen has enhanced his strength and it shows in the power he packs into his shots. Every time he steps out to bat he behaves as if he is the king and will call the shots,” the source remarked.

A point validated by former chairman of national selection committee Kiran More, who has seen Hardik from close quarters in his hometown.

“He has worked hard on his fitness and mental aspect. The credit should also go to the franchise’s support staff and the people around him — physios, trainers et al. To come back in such a way also shows his determination,” More, who’s also the Mumbai Indians’ senior talent scout, said.

“To succeed you have got to identify your strong areas. He did it and played smartly. Sharing the dressing room with the top names of the game also allows you to watch and learn from them. He’s aware of what he needs to do and hence achieved success.”

More knows Hardik’s importance to the side. “You make him bat at any position and he will succeed. It’s not easy to bat at No.6/7, come out and get 20-25 runs in 6-8 balls.

“You’ve got to have strength and power in such a situation. His range of shots is superb and he can execute clean hits in any area. He’s an all-round player and understands the game well.”

Not without reason Hardik had a strike-rate of 156.00 in the T20I series and 114.75 in the ODIs in Australia. His impact with the bat could in no way be undermined.

Hardik seems to be set at No. 6 as the power-packed finisher. But can he bowl his quota of overs in the T20 World Cup? If he can remodel his action and bowl by October, India will be formidable at home.