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Debasis Sen, Galle: Baroda all rounder Hardik Pandya seems to be ticking all boxes. Pandya, who scored a scintillating half century on debut against Sri Lanka in the first test match here in Galle can soon be the answer to many a problem. The all-rounder who is a regular face in the Indian ODI squad can be the perfect No. 7 batsman for India who could come handy with the bat and also roll his arms as well.
He proved his worth in the Champions Trophy final against Pakistan, as his blistering knock almost got Men in Blue over the line. But the team management’s decision to gamble with Hardik in this test match has worked as he has so far passed the test with flying colours.
It must’ve been a moment of great pride for Pandya when he received his maiden Test cap from captain Virat Kohli ahead of the first Test at Galle yesterday. But, while Kohli backed the youngster to come good, many were left wondering if it was too early to bring a limited-overs specialist like Pandya in the longest format.
As far as Pandya’s teammates are concerned they also reckon that he could add an option to the side. According to Pujara, “He’s a very good all-rounder. When it comes to his batting, he is trusting his strengths. The way he was batting, I think that is the way he should be batting going ahead. It was the right situation for him.
“I think he could dominate the bowlers, play his shots and specially when he is playing with the tail-enders, that’s the way he should be playing. And he has showcased that even at the highest level. Being an allrounder it always helps for the team because we need someone who can bowl ten overs in a day if there is an opportunity. So someone like him who can bat well and give us 8-10 overs in a day, he is the perfect all-rounder for us,” said Pujara.
Former selection committee chairman Kiran More feel, “Hardik can be an important member for the squad as he has all the qualities to be a potential match winner. Key for him will be he has to perfom consistently.”
He further added, “What is good for him is he has the confidence of both Virat and Shastri. It is very important for any player is to get the backing of your captain.”
According to More,”He can generate a lot of bounce from the wicket. His role will be very crucial for overseas tours like South Africa.”
Hardik is already being touted as the next Kapil Dev. But More do not want to look too much ahead. According to him, “It is too early right now to compare him with Kapil Dev. He just made his test debut and that too against a weak opponent like Sri Lanka. For him to establish as an all rounder he has to cross many hurdles. But he is a good player. He has scored many runs for Baroda. He works on his fitness and his work ethics are also good. He has improved a lot and credit goes to Rahul Dravid for his improvement.”