[Watch] When Rashid Khan Forgot Hardik Pandya's Birthday

Hardik and Gujarat Titans teammate [Twitter]

Even as Hardik Pandya celebrated his 30th birthday amidst great fanfare and emotions at the Feroz Kotla Ground in Delhi with India's second game of the ICC World Cup 2023 on Wednesday (October 11), Afghanistan spin king and Pandya's Gujarat Titans (GT) teammate took time recognising the occasion. 

Rashid, who has been integral to Titans' IPL journey under Pandya's successful leadership, didn't know his Gujarat skipper and the premier India allrounder is celebrating the happy returns of his birthday. The ace wristspinner was seen verifying about it with the Indian vice-captain after the match was over. 

In a viral clip from India's post-match celebrations for the handsome eight-wicket victory, Pandya can be seen waving his hands to the packed crowd inside the historic stadium as fans sang the birthday song for him before Rashid, who was standing behind him, presumably asked, "birthday hai? (Is it your birthday?)" and hugged the Indian player. 

Rashid's expressions and the surprised reaction upon learning that it was indeed Pandya's birthday warmed the cricket lovers. The two modern-day giants were seen sharing a heartening moment after the game, with the hug initiated by the birthday boy himself.  

When Rashid Learnt It is Pandya's Birthday 

The incident is from the traditional post-match ritual of two teams shaking hands after the game. Even as Rohit Sharma & company hammered their Asian rivals, there was no loss of respect or anger brewing within the Afghanistan camp. 

Rashid, who has multiple friends inside the Indian dressing room, was seen initially chatting with Pandya while India's batting coach Vikram Rathour and Afghanistan's support staff members watched along. 

Then Pandya had to turnaround since a section of the crowd started chanting his name and sang the birthday song while the cricketer waved his hand back in gratitude. Standing behind him, Rashid was left shocked by the chants and the song. He was clearly not aware of the occasion and was seen asking his GT skipper if it was indeed his birthday. 

Pandya nodded to his Gujarat teammate and they shared a wonderful hog to once again underline how the IPL continues to break barriers within players and opposition camps and paves the way for friendships beyond the pressures and the rivalry at the international stage.