Hardik Pandya has had a tremendous impact in both Super 4 games of Team India. In the match against Pakistan, the all-rounder bowled an absolute dream delivery to get rid of Babar Azam, and during the crucial game against Sri Lanka, he came in at the vital stage where a wicket was needed and provided the breakthrough which contributed to the eventual win.
Aside from fiery spells, Pandya is in touch with the bat as well. He scored a brilliant 87 against Pakistan in the opening game of Team India in the tournament.
3 things you need to know
- Team India is through to the final of Asia Cup 2023
- India defeated Pakistan and Sri Lanka in the Super 4s stage
- Hardik Pandya has made his presence felt with both bat and ball
Hardik Pandya rises through the ranks
For the longest time, Team India needed a match-winner who could chip in with both bat and bowl, and apparently the search ended with Pandya’s reinvention to his game. With the bat, he has played a key role in some of India’s recent famous wins, and with the bowl, he has the knack of picking wickets. Moreover, he is a livewire on the field. Thus, with the package he offers, he can decide the game singlehandedly.
R Ashwin draws parallels between Hardik Pandya and Stuart Broad
As many foremost experts have awakened at the emergence of Hardik Pandya, his teammates are also praising him. Among the colleagues, Ravichandran Ashwin has come out to say that Pandya is doing what Stuart Broad used to do for England in Test cricket. Ashwin highlighted Hardik’s ability to swing it both ways and said he has started to display that skill in the international circuit.
“Hardik Pandya swung it both ways during the IPL at the Narendra Modi Stadium. He is doing it now at the international level. What’s happening? The one he bowled to Babar Azam was more of seam than swing. He is doing what Stuart Broad used to do in Test cricket. More of a wobble seam.” Said Ashwin during a YouTube session on his channel.