Hardik Pandya had promised to 'set the stage on fire' before Australia series, reveals brother Krunal

Hardik Pandya has promised to 'set the stage on fire' before the India-Austrlia series and one look at his performance confirms that he has done exactly that. 

Pandya, who scored 222 runs and also picked up six wickets, received the Man of the Series award for his top-class performance in the tournament. 

India captain Virat Kohli on Sunday heaped high praise on the all-rounder after their convincing 4-1 win in the five-match series. "Hardik Pandya is the biggest asset (from the series). Selection dilemma is always a good headache for me as a captain because it's always better to have plenty to pick from and take the best 11 possible," the skipper said.

Hardik's elder brother Krunal Pandya, who plays for Mumbai Indians, posted a special message on Twitter which reveals the promise Hardik had made to him (Krunal) before the series.

"Just before the #INDvAUS series, @hardikpandya7 told me he will set the stage on fire & today I can proudly say, "you did it... and how!" Krunal wrote on Twitter.

Hardik replied expressing gratitude to his brother.

Hardik Pandya revived India's innings after being reduced to 87/5, scoring 83 rns off just 66 balls including 5 huge sixes in the first ODI of the series against Australia in Chennai. 

He was then to No. 4 in the third ODI in Indore where he made full use of the opportunity by scoring 78 off just 72 balls and helped India chase down the 294-run target with ease. In the fourth match at Bengaluru and he smashed 41 again in just 40 balls.