NEW DELHI: Hardik Pandya commands the same level of respect as Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in India, something evident from the way fans stormed into the stadium just to catch a glimpse of their favourite star.

And there's a reason he stands out - his warm camaraderie was on full display even with an opposition player during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy match between Baroda and Gujarat.

Pandya joins Bishnoi in celebratory hug

The moment played out in the seventh over of Baroda's modest chase of 74. Pandya miscued a shot and was caught in the deep, prompting Gujarat spinner Ravi Bishnoi to throw his arms up in celebration.

Pandya, who had already started running after seeing himself dismissed, didn't sulk or show frustration - instead, he joined Bishnoi in the celebration of his own wicket, sharing a light-hearted moment that instantly won over fans.

Hardik gave Bishnoi a high five, before a running hug as he walked off the field. Despite Hardik's dismissal, Baroda had a cakewalk in the match as they won comfortably.

Hardik's superb spell

Hardik continued his impressive comeback with a brilliant all-round performance as Baroda crushed Gujarat by eight wickets. After a swashbuckling knock against Punjab, he delivered a tight four-over spell, finishing with figures of 1 for 16.

Gujarat struggled with the bat, being bowled out for a mere 73 in 14.1 overs, with only two batsmen reaching double figures. Hardik claimed the wicket of CSK star Urvil Patel (7), who was caught on return. Baroda chased down the target comfortably in just 6.4 overs.