Hardik Pandya Shows Humbleness, Meets Cameraman Who Was Hurt With His Shot

Hardik Pandya lit up the fifth T20I in Ahmedabad with a brutal 63 off 25 balls, yet one flat six created a scare at the Narendra Modi Stadium when it struck a boundary-side cameraman on the arm, briefly halting celebrations during India’s 3-1 series win over South Africa.

Pandya’s late assault turned a strong start into a huge total, as India piled up 231/5. Tilak Varma anchored the innings with 73 from 42 balls. The pair added a century stand in the middle overs, lifting India well beyond 200 and putting South Africa under heavy pressure.

Hardik Pandya cameraman incident and on-field medical response

The incident unfolded while the cameraman was filming the Indian dugout from the edge of the boundary. Pandya drilled a straight, flat six that flew directly towards the position and smashed into the operator’s arm and shoulder, leaving a visible bruise and prompting immediate concern from players and support staff.

India’s team physio rushed in to examine the injury and applied quick treatment on the spot. The bruise on the shoulder looked painful, but the cameraperson stayed conscious and responsive. Members of the Indian dugout, including Gautam Gambhir, the coaching staff and next batter Shivam Dube, reacted in shock.

Hardik Pandya cameraman incident and player reactions

After the Indian innings closed, Pandya headed straight towards the injured cameraman near the boundary line. Pandya checked the bruise, helped with the ice pack that support staff had brought, and then embraced the operator, offering a personal apology for the accidental blow during the batting onslaught.

Pandya later explained the worry that followed the clean strike. "God was with me as well, that it didn't go anywhere above that, it hit him in the place where it will be bruised tomorrow but at the same point of time, he was a very lucky man. I am very grateful that it didn't go higher," said Hardik.

Pandya also spoke about knowing the cameraman for years around the circuit. "I got really worried inside because it was quite a clean hit. I just thought I would say sorry and check in. I have seen him around all the 10-11 years of my career. Just wanted to make sure that he was fine," he added.

The cameraperson, however, tried to ease any tension around the moment. When asked about the impact, the operator simply responded, "Kuch nahi hua. (Nothing happened)." Both then shared another hug, and the game continued with the sense that the worst had been avoided at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

Hardik Pandya cameraman incident amid India’s series victory

On the field, Pandya influenced both innings. With the ball, Pandya removed Dewald Brevis just as South Africa threatened at 120/1, sparking a collapse to 135/5. Quinton de Kock and Brevis had attacked early, but once Brevis fell, India tightened control and closed out the chase to secure a 3-1 series victory.