IND v AUS 2020: Twitter lauds Hardik Pandya for handing the Man of the Series trophy to T Natarajan

The Indian cricket team continued its marvelous form in the game's shortest format, registering a 2-1 series win over Australia.

The Men in Blue ended Australia's dominance in their national capital and registered their third T20I win in Sydney during the series. Hardik Pandya won the Man of the Series award for his 78 runs in three matches at a strike rate of 156.

However, the Indian all-rounder felt that his new teammate T Natarajan deserved this award. After receiving the prize, he handed it over to the debutant, who ended the series as the best bowler from both teams.

The Sunrisers Hyderabad star scalped six wickets in three matches at an economy rate of 6.91.

Natarajan, you were outstanding this series: Hardik Pandya

It is pertinent to note that all the games in this series were high-scoring encounters. However, Natarajan managed to keep a check on the flow of runs with his bowling skills.

T Natarajan had picked up three wickets on his T20I debut at the Manuka Oval

Another noteworthy fact is that the selectors had not named the southpaw in the original T20I squad. The Tamil Nadu-based player earned a place only after Varun Chakravarthy got injured.

Hardik Pandya also sent out a tweet heaping praise on T Natarajan. He wrote:

"Natarajan, you were outstanding this series. To perform brilliantly in difficult conditions on your India debut speaks volumes of your talent and hard work. You deserve Man of the Series from my side bhai! Congratulations to #TeamIndia on the win."

Natarajan, you were outstanding this series. To perform brilliantly in difficult conditions on your India debut speaks volumes of your talent and hardwork 👏 You deserve Man of the Series from my side bhai! Congratulations to #TeamIndia on the win 🇮🇳🏆 pic.twitter.com/gguk4WIlQD

— hardik pandya (@hardikpandya7) December 8, 2020

Hardik Pandya's gesture has received a positive reaction from his fans and critics on social media. Twitterati came together to appreciate this selfless act from the Mumbai Indians all-rounder.

Here are some of the best reactions to Hardik Pandya giving his award to Natarajan.

Bhai 👏👏👏

— Surya Kumar Yadav (@surya_14kumar) December 8, 2020

-Came from poor background - Gave everything for IPL franchise- Got selected for national team- now being adjudged as the match winner of India The story of Hardik Pandya and T NATARAJAN pic.twitter.com/CR62QWB7X7

— Subham (@subhsays) December 8, 2020

great gesture man 😘😘😘😘love you Pandya pic.twitter.com/gmBjq8hhE5

— 𝕄𝕒𝕕𝕄𝕒𝕩 𝐉𝐃 ♡ (@BeCalmHons) December 8, 2020

We've seen a completely different side of Hardik Pandya after his return from injury. He has matured as a player and as a person too. He handed his Man of the Series trophy to the equally deserving Natarajan. Gestures like these make you fall in love with the game. #INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/nrjVARAoYl

— Sagar wagh (@Sagarwagh2002) December 8, 2020

Gestures like giving his Man of the Series award to an equally deserving Natarajan show just how much Hardik Pandya has matured over the last couple of years. Makes me feel really happy as an Indian cricket fan. pic.twitter.com/1MpZR8N3ci

— Joy Bhattacharjya (@joybhattacharj) December 8, 2020

Hardik Pandya - The most down to earth human being. He handed his Man Of The Series award to T Natarajan because he felt he deserved that award. pic.twitter.com/T9DZ6zjhNc

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) December 8, 2020

Hardik Pandya hand over the man of the series award to Natarajan. This is truly amazing. pic.twitter.com/g80wCDqnqq

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 8, 2020

Virat Kohli handed the winning trophy and Hardik Pandya handed his Man Of The Series award to T Natarajan. 😍🔥@Natarajan_91 #Natarajan pic.twitter.com/lGNaspZJbq

— Natarajan Fans Club (@NatrajanFanClub) December 8, 2020

@hardikpandya7 💓👌 Love from Chennai. That whole hearted wishes truly shows your character. Way to go !! #Hardik #Natarajan💐💕 https://t.co/6B67bBleS9

— ᗩᒪE᙭ᗩᑎᗪEᖇ.ᒪ (@itsAlexChandru) December 8, 2020