Former Pakistan gun fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has tipped Hardik Pandya to become one of the best all-rounders in the game. Pandya has been in terrific form in the recent past and he would like to continue his good show in the upcoming matches.
Pandya gathered 487 runs in 15 matches at an impressive average of 44.27 and scored his runs at a strike rate of 131.27 in Tata IPL 2022 and thus played a huge role in the success of Gujarat Titans. The all-rounder led from the front and impressed one and all.
Subsequently, Pandya also got the opportunity to lead the national team in the two-match T20I series against Ireland. Pandya continued his T20I form in ODI format as he scored 100 runs and took six wickets in three matches against England. Thus, he was awarded the Player of the Series.
The right-hander scored a brilliant knock of 71 runs off just 55 balls in the third deciding ODI against the Three Lions. Furthermore, he had scalped 4-24 in the same match, which are his best bowling figures in the 50-overs version.
Thus, Pandya is delivering the goods with both bat and ball and he definitely adds balance to the team as a seam-bowling all-rounder. There is no doubt that Pandya will play a huge role in the success of the team if he remains fit.
“He completes the team’s balance. He got a good jolt, staying out of the team for about two years because of his fitness. He was casual about his life and is now better. He looks more focused and seems to be enjoying his life on the field. Don’t enjoy too much off the field because he is a very rare talent,” Akhtar said on his YouTube channel.
“He is a great fielder and a great fast bowler, a great addition to the pace battery. In the latter overs where a lot of bowlers struggle, he performs and he managed to outshine the rest of the bowlers.
Rawalpindi Express, as Akhtar was known during his halcyon days, urged Pandya to stay focused and not veer off the track in the upcoming matches.
“India is huge and becoming a star of such a big country is a great responsibility. I am sure he will understand his responsibility and will focus on his game. He will get all kinds of fame, money and respect so just stay focused Hardik Pandya,” Akhtar added.
“He is obviously a great batter. He has got so many compact shots and he plays deliveries late. So I am sure that he will become one of the best all-rounders in the world. Just stay focussed,” Akhtar further said.
Hardik Pandya has been rested for the ODI series against the West Indies and he will be in action in the T20I series.
