Former India coach highlights Hardik Pandya's demeanor prior to the Asia Cup: "Simply lounging in the locker room..."
Hardik Pandya: India's MVP All-Rounder in T20 Cricket
Hardik Pandya, the dynamic all-rounder from India, continues to be a key player in the country's white-ball cricket, particularly in T20 matches. His aggressive batting style and effective bowling have made him an invaluable asset to the team.
Pandya's batting prowess is evident in his career-high T20 score of 71* and a strike rate consistently above 140. Over 110 T20 matches, he has scored more than 1,800 runs and made multiple half-centuries, demonstrating his value as a power hitter who can accelerate the innings.
However, it is his bowling that has often stolen the spotlight. Abhishek Nayar, a former India assistant coach, has praised Pandya's bowling abilities, describing him as an "absolute game changer" for Indian cricket. Nayar's comments highlight the importance of Pandya's bowling in India's T20 WC triumph in 2024, particularly in the final against South Africa.
Pandya's bowling under pressure has been instrumental in India's recent T20 WC victories. He is capable of delivering consistent overs, whether it's bowling with the new ball, bowling at the death, or in tough bowling situations. His clutch bowling in pressure moments is a significant strength, as noted by Nayar.
Pandya's all-round skills include bowling as well as making impactful knocks against both spin and pace. His presence in the middle assures his teammates in the dugout, and his contributions have earned him the reputation of one of India's MVPs.
Despite his on-field contributions and previously high expectations as Rohit Sharma’s natural successor in white-ball captaincy, Hardik Pandya no longer holds a leadership position in the team. For the Asia Cup 2025, he has been included in the squad but has lost the vice-captaincy, which now belongs to Shubman Gill, while Suryakumar Yadav is the captain. This shift suggests that the selection committee prioritizes continuity under the current leadership setup, and Pandya’s captaincy ambitions are currently on hold, influenced by team dynamics and his fitness and form.
Regardless, Pandya's all-round skills remain vital to India's T20 dominance. India's squad boasts strong specialist talent, and Pandya is one of the multi-skilled players who add balance to the side. He is considered among the top Asian T20 all-rounders, with the potential to surpass legends like Shahid Afridi by accumulating significant runs and wickets in multi-team T20 competitions.
In summary, Hardik Pandya's role in India's white-ball success ahead of Asia Cup 2025 is that of a crucial all-round contributor with high-impact batting and bowling, but without a current leadership role. The team management favors other leaders while relying on his experience and match-winning abilities on the field. Nayar's praise for Pandya's bowling underscores the importance of his all-round skills in India's T20 success.
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