Former South African captain Shaun Pollock lavished praise on Hardik Pandya after India won the opening T20I against South Africa by 101 runs at the Barabati Cricket Stadium, Cuttack on Tuesday. Pandya scored a blistering knock of 59 runs off just 28 balls to help India post a par score of 175 runs on the board.
The right-hander was able to hit the ground running and took the attack against Keshav Maharaj from the word go. Pandya smashed six fours and four sixes in his whirlwind knock as he timed the ball to perfection.
Pandya was returning to International action after recovering from a quadriceps injury but he made a roaring comeback. The all-rounder was awarded Player of the Match for his quickfire knock and also accounted for David Miller.
Shaun Pollock said on Cricbuzz, “I think he has aspirations of batting at 3 or 4, as we’ve seen when he has been in charge at the IPL. But his best job is at the back end. He’s a destructive hitter and has the mindset to take the pressure on himself. Much like what Dhoni did for many years, where they prepare to take it deep. They don’t panic too early and are prepared to back their skills and abilities.”
Pollock highlighted that Pandya thrives when the team is under the cosh.
“Even with all the batting India have got, not a lot of people have got that mindset that they like the challenge of trying to get the team over the line or out of trouble. That’s why this is his best batting position, where his real strengths come out. Not saying you can’t have an innings, where if you get off to a good start, you can’t promote him and see what he can do. But I think he thrives under the situation where the team is in trouble, and the team needs him to get them over the line, and he produces.”
On the other hand, Suryakumar Yadav was dismissed after scoring only 12 runs. However, Pollock backed SKY to bounce back into form.
“If you ask teams around the world, they know Surya and how destructive he can be. So there is that fear factor when he walks to the crease. Even if he’s not getting runs, it’s only a matter of time before he starts to click,” said Pollock (via the aforementioned source).
The second T20I between India and South Africa will be played at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, Chandigarh, on Thursday.
