The importance of Hardik Pandya to the Indian ODI team

[freelance_cricketer]

Bowled his usual quota of rubbish 4 overs and got out to Axar Patel in two balls scoring a duck when team wanted him to play sensibly and partner with aging UV! Only additions to the Pandya-post-injury are two new tattoos on his neck!

He is coming from a long break.

It's ok. Everyone gets bad days. People will drool all over him when he takes a blinder of a catch next or smashes 50 in 20

[freelance_cricketer]

Absolutely destroyed Dwayne Bravo tonight.

His hitting ability is phenomenal.

[MenInG]

Hardik Pandya, the India all-rounder, wants to put injuries and controversy behind him as he moves on from his "toughest time" to work towards making sure that India win the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2019.

The fast-bowling all-rounder brings balance to Virat Kohli's one-day international side. However, he's missed out on several matches since September – first with a back injury, then when his comments on a talk show resulted in a suspension, and finally with more lower back issues that kept him out of action during the recent home series against Australia.

The Indian Premier League, where he turns out for Mumbai Indians, was a chance for him to get some vital game time before the World Cup in England and Wales, and on Wednesday, 3 April, he showed just how impactful he could be.

My only focus is to play IPL and make sure India wins the World Cup. That's why I am practising the way I am doing right now.
Hardik Pandya

Pandya smashed 25* off just eight balls as Mumbai posted a challenging 170/5 against Chennai Super Kings at the Wankhede stadium, before scalping 3/20 in four overs, in his team's 37-run win. His three sixes included one off a 'helicopter shot', with MS Dhoni watching from behind the stumps.

Picking up his Player of the Match award, Pandya opened up on what it meant to him. "It has been seven months that I have hardly played games," he said. "I was out for an injury and then some other controversy happened.

"This [match award], I'd really like to dedicate to my family and my friends, who were there for me during my toughest time. Because these seven months have not been easy. I was out and then I didn't know what to do.

"That made me feel that I should have a reality check [about] what I am doing and which is helping me. Now, my only focus is to play IPL and make sure India wins the World Cup. That is my sole purpose. That's why I am practising the way I am doing right now."

Basking in the "fantastic feeling" of having contributed to a win, Pandya said he had used his time away from the game to focus on his batting. "I've just batted and batted and batted [in training], and touch wood, the game is getting improved," he said.

"I am someone who wants to improve day by day. That is something I was focusing on all that time I was out [of the side]. It is a fantastic feeling when you hit the ball like that and make your team win."

https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/1167335

[MenInG]

Pandya holding the innings together after loss of Kohli.

[Gabbar Singh]

Pandya bringing his IPL form to the big stage.

[Gabbar Singh]

Pandya having an excellent World Cup - he’s so important to the balance of this India side.

[rhony]

Making an impact with the bat and/or the ball. Exactly what a decent AR needs to do. His batting has improved a lot and bowling is well thought out

[Hasan123]

Showing his worth in this WC. His bowling has improved a lot in this tournament. Needs to find a way to turn his 40s into bigger scores though. Think that will come with time though.

[Ab Fan]

He is pivotal for India in LOs and in test cricket matches outside Asia. India missed him today. The bits and pieces will make way once Pandya gets back fit in the team.

[Revolution]

Pandya is missed badly against WI.hope he will be available for new Zealand tour.

[Mercurial]

Dube is potentially better. Pandya is only decent for T20I cricket.

[Smudger]

Dube is potentially better. Pandya is only decent for T20I cricket.

Dubey is a hack with the bat and a trundler on a great day with the ball. He is the defination of a bits and pieces player

[MenInG]

Former India batsman VVS Laxman on Thursday blamed too much workload of the players for the country not producing another genuine all-rounder of great Kapil Dev’s ilk. Players like Hardik Pandya have been compared with legendary Kapil, the country’s first World Cup-winning captain.

“It’s a very difficult role being an all-rounder. Kapil paaji was someone who could take wickets and score runs. He was the ultimate match-winner for India. But with the amount of workload nowadays, it’s very, very difficult,” Laxman said during a YouTube launch of a book written by Boria Majumdar at “Tata Literature Live Sports Yatras”.

Without naming Hardik, Laxman said: “There were some glimpses from some players, because they were focusing a lot on both the skills, ultimately with the amount of workload and matches the Indian team plays in three formats, it’s very difficult to manage.

“That player who has the ability to become a genuine all-rounder unfortunately gets injured and he has to compromise or he has to take a decision on either batting or bowling,” said the former stylish batsman. Coming from a lengthy layoff due to a back surgery, Hardik did not bowl for Mumbai Indians in the IPL last season in the UAE. In the ODI series against Australia, Hardik bowled five overs but did not play the ensuing Test series Down Under.

Hardik did not play in the four-match Test series against England earlier this year. He bowled in the subsequent T20I series, but did not do so in the first two ODIs against England. He returned to bowling duties in the final ODI. He has also not bowled for MI in the ongoing IPL season so far.

Laxman also said that it was “not right to compare any sort of all-rounder with the legendary Kapil”. “I just feel that there can be only one Kapil. It (comparison) will put undue pressure on the player. There can be only one MS Dhoni, or one Sunil Gavaskar.”

Laxman also backed Rishabh Pant to be India’s first choice wicketkeeper for the T20 World Cup at home in October-November. “India is spoilt for choices. The way Sanju Samson has batted, kept and led Rajasthan Royals (in ongoing IPL), even though he did not have too much of experience (in captaining) a side.

“Then there’s Ishan Kishan. KL Rahul has done well whenever he got the gloves, and batted either top of the order or in the middle. But somehow I just feel Rishabh Pant is the player whom you should pick for the wicketkeeper-batsman slot. I will definitely go for Pant.

“Not only that he’s really improved and impressed everyone with his keeping abilities, but as a left-handed batsman, he’s someone who can take away the game from any opposition in any situation in the middle overs,” he concluded. The 23-year-old Pant, who is currently leading Delhi Capitals in the ongoing IPL, has played a major role in India’s Test series wins against Australia and England with some match-winning knocks earlier this year.

https://www.cricketcountry.com/news/...-laxman-979285

[Ab Fan]

Dube is potentially better. Pandya is only decent for T20I cricket.

Dube is a poor man's Pandya. Even Vijay Shankar and Krunal Pandya are better than Shivam Dube. Hardik is the most integral part of Indian LOI team after Kohli, Rohit and Bumrah.

Current Indian all-rounders ranking across all formats:-

1.Ravindra Jadeja
2.Hardik Pandya
3.Washington Sundar
4.Axar Patel
5.Vijay Shankar
6.Krunal Pandya
7.Shivam Dube

[Ab Fan]

To begin with,

Pandya has proved that he is comfortably a better A/R than Jadeja.

Those who have been bashing him perhaps didn't show up much yesterday. However, his career Batting and bowling stats both are better than Jadeja in T20Is.

In ODIs, his batting stats are much much better than Jadeja.

Jadeja is a better Test A/R.

[Ab Fan]

Jadeja's T20 stats :-

Bat Avg - 17@113
Bowl AVG - 30

Never did any Indian highlighted this as he is integral part of LOI team. Looks like the hate for a certain bloke was only for the better LOI A/R.

[MP2011]

To begin with,

Pandya has proved that he is comfortably a better A/R than Jadeja.

Those who have been bashing him perhaps didn't show up much yesterday. However, his career Batting and bowling stats both are better than Jadeja in T20Is.

In ODIs, his batting stats are much much better than Jadeja.

Jadeja is a better Test A/R.

Jadeja gets a free ride in Indian LoI teams, don't know why! He is a very poor T20 player and a very average ODI cricketer. The only redeeming feature of his LoI cricket is his excellent fielding and handy bowling in Subcon. Otherwise, he is as dud as they come.

[MP2011]

But that doesn't mean Pandya is any better. His bowling is non-existent, hasn't blasted opposition out of the park with the bat since time immemorial.

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

Dube is a poor man's Pandya. Even Vijay Shankar and Krunal Pandya are better than Shivam Dube. Hardik is the most integral part of Indian LOI team after Kohli, Rohit and Bumrah.

Current Indian all-rounders ranking across all formats:-

1.Ravindra Jadeja
2.Hardik Pandya
3.Washington Sundar
4.Axar Patel
5.Vijay Shankar
6.Krunal Pandya
7.Shivam Dube

You posted this in April 2021. Not sure what has changed between today and April 2021. One inning against mighty Afghanistan?

To begin with,

Pandya has proved that he is comfortably a better A/R than Jadeja.

Those who have been bashing him perhaps didn't show up much yesterday. However, his career Batting and bowling stats both are better than Jadeja in T20Is.

In ODIs, his batting stats are much much better than Jadeja.

Jadeja is a better Test A/R.

Correct me if I am wrong but I have seen you rating cricketers based on their test stats and ignoring their LOI stats. So why isn't Jadeja better than Pandya overall? No one hyped Jadeja the batsman and no one said that he can play as a specialist batsman alone in the side. Also it is looking funny to see you posting T20 stats the format which you don't rate and like. Is it out of desperation because Pandya's test career already looks over? Khisyani billi khamba noche.

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

Jadeja gets a free ride in Indian LoI teams, don't know why! He is a very poor T20 player and a very average ODI cricketer. The only redeeming feature of his LoI cricket is his excellent fielding and handy bowling in Subcon. Otherwise, he is as dud as they come.

No one hyped Jadeja like Pandya anyway. Pandya at the moment is undroppable. I won't mind him in T20s but I don't want to see him in ODIs especially when he can't even bowl. These days he only starts bowling when there is a criticism on his batting and question marks are raised over his spot in the team.

[MP2011]

These days he only starts bowling when there is a criticism on his batting and question marks are raised over his spot in the team.

His bowling in any case is cannon fodder in all forms of the game. And we can safely say he has played his last test match for India unless something dramatic happens.

[MP2011]

No one hyped Jadeja like Pandya anyway.

I never implied it. But he still gets a free ride in India's LoI teams despite being a less than satisfactory lower-order hitter. Consider what arsenal other teams have at 6 & 7 and we seem very content with Jadeja & Pandya at these pivotal slots.

[Ab Fan]

You posted this in April 2021. Not sure what has changed between today and April 2021. One inning against mighty Afghanistan?



Correct me if I am wrong but I have seen you rating cricketers based on their test stats and ignoring their LOI stats. So why isn't Jadeja better than Pandya overall? No one hyped Jadeja the batsman and no one said that he can play as a specialist batsman alone in the side. Also it is looking funny to see you posting T20 stats the format which you don't rate and like. Is it out of desperation because Pandya's test career already looks over? Khisyani billi khamba noche.

That was for overall formats and because Jadeja is a beast at home test matches and more proven obviously.

But correct me if I am wrong, you did said that Pandya doesn't merit a spot in Indian LOI team and he is a Sanjay Bangar level A/R and also he is Gareebon ka Afridi, who himself was nothing special in ODIs.Also, you do bring stats when having a discussion. So, why are you not discussing that and showing your hypocrisy here and being so delusional lol?

Fact is you look at their careers in LOIs, they both have enough samples and the one who is a better LOI All-rounder is quite comfortably the one you actually hate and keep whining about.

As an Indian fan, you should have been criticising the person who fails more but you are criticising the person who performs better but maybe was hyped more. So, fair to say that you are a fake Indian? Actually you are a troll and your real nationality is getting exposed here.

[Ab Fan]

But that doesn't mean Pandya is any better. His bowling is non-existent, hasn't blasted opposition out of the park with the bat since time immemorial.

It is not much hard to be better than Jadeja in T20Is. Anyone can be better than him. There is enough sample to debate here. Look at their stats :-

Jadeja :-

Bat Avg - 17@113, Bowl AVG - 30

Pandya :-

Bat Avg - 20@148, Bowl AVG - 26

The difference is alarming. The problem here is that when Pandya isn't bowling, it make the matter worse but you can see how rubbish a batsman Jadeja and a bowler he has been all his career. Also, one of the major reasons why India haven't won a WT20 trophy.

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

That was for overall formats and because Jadeja is a beast at home test matches and more proven obviously.

But correct me if I am wrong, you did said that Pandya doesn't merit a spot in Indian LOI team and he is a Sanjay Bangar level A/R and also he is Gareebon ka Afridi, who himself was nothing special in ODIs.Also, you do bring stats when having a discussion. So, why are you not discussing that and showing your hypocrisy here and being so delusional lol?

Fact is you look at their careers in LOIs, they both have enough samples and the one who is a better LOI All-rounder is quite comfortably the one you actually hate and keep whining about.

As an Indian fan, you should have been criticising the person who fails more but you are criticising the person who performs better but maybe was hyped more. So, fair to say that you are a fake Indian? Actually you are a troll and your real nationality is getting exposed here.

Not sure why are you turning it into Jadeja vs Pandya now? It is my opinion and choice if I decide to criticise an overhyped allrounder over someone who do get dropped from the team. You guys should not have hyped him that much if you were so sensitive about his criticism.

You are free to post stats to prove me wrong but why do you keep insisting that I am not an Indian? I remember I did this to one guy here and I quickly received a warning from the mod that I should not do it. I will advise you to send a private message to any mod so that they can also tell you about my location. Next time I see you do this again, I will report your post and remind the mods about the warning they gave it to me for similar thing. I did it only once but you keep doing it out of frustration. Stay in your limits.

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

It is not much hard to be better than Jadeja in T20Is. Anyone can be better than him. There is enough sample to debate here. Look at their stats :-

Jadeja :-

Bat Avg - 17@113, Bowl AVG - 30

Pandya :-

Bat Avg - 20@148, Bowl AVG - 26

The difference is alarming. The problem here is that when Pandya isn't bowling, it make the matter worse but you can see how rubbish a batsman Jadeja and a bowler he has been all his career. Also, one of the major reasons why India haven't won a WT20 trophy.

I think we should drop both Jadeja and Pandya. Will that be ok with you? You are trying too hard to turn this into a jadeja vs pandya comparison. I doubt anyone cares about Jadeja in LOIs anyway. May be that is the reason he was not hyped as the power hitter? Next big thing or best since Kapil Dev?

I know Pandya's knock against mighty Afghanistan has brought your confidence back. I can see him doing the same against strong teams like Namibia and Scotland now, and that will surely put him in the best since sliced bread category.

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

I never implied it. But he still gets a free ride in India's LoI teams despite being a less than satisfactory lower-order hitter. Consider what arsenal other teams have at 6 & 7 and we seem very content with Jadeja & Pandya at these pivotal slots.

Should drop both of them. Jadeja vs Pandya isn't even a comparison. One is a batting allrounder and another one is a spin bowling allrounder. There is a reason team management chooses Jadeja in tests at home.

[MP2011]

It is not much hard to be better than Jadeja in T20Is. Anyone can be better than him. There is enough sample to debate here. Look at their stats :-

Jadeja :-

Bat Avg - 17@113, Bowl AVG - 30

Pandya :-

Bat Avg - 20@148, Bowl AVG - 26

The difference is alarming. The problem here is that when Pandya isn't bowling, it make the matter worse but you can see how rubbish a batsman Jadeja and a bowler he has been all his career. Also, one of the major reasons why India haven't won a WT20 trophy.

Yeah. Jadeja has always been part of our T20 WC teams save the first 2 editions. And each time we came up short. It's astounding to note how come he has a permanent spot in the team despite being so average in T20 cricket.

Same goes for Dhawan who has a dire record in T20s and has still been a permanent fixture in our T20 team for god knows how many years. Thankfully, we may have finally gotten rid of him.

[MP2011]

Will always prefer Ashwin over him who is miles ahead of him in all formats at least as a bowler.

[Ab Fan]

Not a fan of him and hate his on and off field antics but he was surely a much bigger upgrade than Venky Iyer has been.

A better batsman, bowler( when fully fit) and a better fielder as well.

[Ab Fan]

The real all rounder which team India needs and not a guy who trundles at 120Kph

We all know what he did in Australia and how he won games with his batting.

[Cover Drive Six]

Not a fan of him and hate his on and off field antics but he was surely a much bigger upgrade than Venky Iyer has been.

A better batsman, bowler( when fully fit) and a better fielder as well.

After watching this SA series I realized that we are badly missing him.

[gazza619]

After watching this SA series I realized that we are badly missing him.

The player not in the team is always the better player, init.

The Indian white ball team looks pretty average, and I would fancy Pakistan’s chances in a 5 match series. Thankfully for India’s sake, the series will not happen.

[Saurav]

Not a fan of him and hate his on and off field antics but he was surely a much bigger upgrade than Venky Iyer has been.

A better batsman, bowler( when fully fit) and a better fielder as well.

his bowling fitness is big issue though.Else we wont need Jaddu too.

Too early to judge Venky though

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

The real all rounder which team India needs and not a guy who trundles at 120Kph

We all know what he did in Australia and how he won games with his batting.

What he did in T20 WC lol? Once again fans are trying to discard a player who has only got 2 chances for someone who keeps getting endless opportunities.

[Cover Drive Six]

The player not in the team is always the better player, init.

The Indian white ball team looks pretty average, and I would fancy Pakistan’s chances in a 5 match series. Thankfully for India’s sake, the series will not happen.

He is much better than Ashwin in away ODI's

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

The player not in the team is always the better player, init.

The Indian white ball team looks pretty average, and I would fancy Pakistan’s chances in a 5 match series. Thankfully for India’s sake, the series will not happen.

Exactly this. Fans are completely ignoring his performances against Sri Lanka D and in T20 WC.

[Ab Fan]

Never in his lifetime would Pandya play an inning of 22 of 33 balls after coming to bat around 40 overs mark. He was always an upgrade over the likes of S Bangar, Binny, Iyer and other trundlers we have tried.

He was brilliant in that Australia series and if he didn't had injury and fitness concern, he is up there as one of the most impact players in this team. The way he bowled 10 overs of quota regularly at high 130s in 2019 World Cup was admirable and so has been his hitting skills all his career.

India are missing the presence of aggressive players like him and with Kohli happy to play the role of 'spectator', India needed characters like Pandya desperately in the team as they always bring energy to the team.

[YousafTheBeast]

Never in his lifetime would Pandya play an inning of 22 of 33 balls after coming to bat around 40 overs mark. He was always an upgrade over the likes of S Bangar, Binny, Iyer and other trundlers we have tried.

He was brilliant in that Australia series and if he didn't had injury and fitness concern, he is up there as one of the most impact players in this team. The way he bowled 10 overs of quota regularly at high 130s in 2019 World Cup was admirable and so has been his hitting skills all his career.

India are missing the presence of aggressive players like him and with Kohli happy to play the role of 'spectator', India needed characters like Pandya desperately in the team as they always bring energy to the team.

Pandya - 20 off 26 balls vs Australia (21/09/17)

[cricketjoshila]

V Iyer is a better hitter than pandya and he needs to be given a long rope.

He is good enough to bowl 5-6 overs in the game. He should play.

At this point in time, SKY or Ishan should replace shreyas.

There is no need of 5 bowlers, Ashwin should give way to Ishan.

[Ab Fan]

Pandya - 20 off 26 balls vs Australia (21/09/17)

Consider the context and India's score of the game, there was a collapse in middle order. When he got out, it was the 9th wicket.

In today's situation, Pandya would never bat this slow. I am not saying he is some great all rounder like Kapil Paaji but he was clearly missed in this series and would walk into Indian side if he bowls even 3-4 overs. His problem is injury concerns and he doesn't want to put his career on line due to that.

[Mobashir]

India is so blessed with talent. They have all rounders on trees these days.
With Pandya not playing they have discovered two great all rounders in Thakur and Iyer.
Talent in abundance @Mamoon

[YousafTheBeast]

Consider the context and India's score of the game, there was a collapse in middle order. When he got out, it was the 9th wicket.

In today's situation, Pandya would never bat this slow. I am not saying he is some great all rounder like Kapil Paaji but he was clearly missed in this series and would walk into Indian side if he bowls even 3-4 overs. His problem is injury concerns and he doesn't want to put his career on line due to that.

If I was an Indian cricket fan, I wouldn’t pick Pandya unless he bowls his 10 overs. It just forces you to play an extra bowler to accommodate Pandya if he doesn’t bowl.

We had the same issue with Faheem, his bowling was decent but his batting was trash in LOI. Him being in the team as bowler only disturbed the balance of the team.

I’d pick Jadeja over Pandya in any conditions.

[Ashmal]

Consider the context and India's score of the game, there was a collapse in middle order. When he got out, it was the 9th wicket.

In today's situation, Pandya would never bat this slow. I am not saying he is some great all rounder like Kapil Paaji but he was clearly missed in this series and would walk into Indian side if he bowls even 3-4 overs. His problem is injury concerns and he doesn't want to put his career on line due to that.

We saw what Pandya did in T20 WC....he's no more an all-rounder (hardly ever bowls).
As a batsman he merits a place in T20s only not in ODIs

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

Consider the context and India's score of the game, there was a collapse in middle order. When he got out, it was the 9th wicket.

In today's situation, Pandya would never bat this slow. I am not saying he is some great all rounder like Kapil Paaji but he was clearly missed in this series and would walk into Indian side if he bowls even 3-4 overs. His problem is injury concerns and he doesn't want to put his career on line due to that.

Oh really? What was he doing in the semi final of the World Cup 2019 then?

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

We saw what Pandya did in T20 WC....he's no more an all-rounder (hardly ever bowls).
As a batsman he merits a place in T20s only not in ODIs

We also saw what he did in the semi final of the World Cup 2019.

[Ab Fan]

Oh really? What was he doing in the semi final of the World Cup 2019 then?

This is a hilarious argument coming from you without understanding the context of that game or even reading my post you just quoted.

Firstly, in that game, Pandya didn't came to bat around the 40th over or anywhere close to that as I mentioned in my post.

Secondly, in that game, the target was 240 and he came to bat at 25/4 ahead of MSD who was hiding down the order. In the context of the game and the time he came to bat, strike rate had no significance.

I hope you come up with somewhat more logical argument next time you are quoting me

[BunnyRabbit]

Pandya not bowling is a big big issue. Even when he bowls these days, it's innocuous bowling a bit like how Pollard bowls. Can't really be relied on to bowl more than 5 overs that too only situationally. And his batting isn't as good as Stokes that would merit his inclusion solely as a batter considering the fact English team is full of all rounders so it doesn't really mess up their balance when Stokes isn't bowling.

Pandya's batting is still pretty good but it becomes a big problem with the team balance especially in ODIs when he doesn't bowl.

India can try Vijay Shankar as well while Iyer definitely needs a bigger rope. Washington Sundar is also a proper allrounder but not a seam bowling one which is often required in SENA. Rahul should try and get 2-3 overs out of Kohli's dibbly dobblers as well like Dhoni used to do.

[shamaan]

This is a hilarious argument coming from you without understanding the context of that game or even reading my post you just quoted.

Firstly, in that game, Pandya didn't came to bat around the 40th over or anywhere close to that as I mentioned in my post.

Secondly, in that game, the target was 240 and he came to bat at 25/4 ahead of MSD who was hiding down the order. In the context of the game and the time he came to bat, strike rate had no significance.

I hope you come up with somewhat more logical argument next time you are quoting me

Pandya should only play in t20s batting at 6.
However in odis he doesn't warrant a play in the team as a batter.He has to bowl.

[Ab Fan]

Pandya should only play in t20s batting at 6.
However in odis he doesn't warrant a play in the team as a batter.He has to bowl.

Yes, we need a six bowling option. Can't go with 5 bowlers in a 50 over match.

Honestly, Venky Iyer's bowling is not convincing at all. He seems to be a Saurav Ganguly level bowler but if he was good enough as a batsman, that would have worked for us.

I am not convinced with his batting skills, he was picked based on half a good IPL season and one good domestic season. Just tells us that all rounders who can bowl at good speed and are good strikers of bowl are such rare breed in India and Pandya was one of them till he got injured. All Pandya need to get into the side is to be fit enough to bowl whenever required (4-5 overs would be enough).

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

This is a hilarious argument coming from you without understanding the context of that game or even reading my post you just quoted.

Firstly, in that game, Pandya didn't came to bat around the 40th over or anywhere close to that as I mentioned in my post.

Secondly, in that game, the target was 240 and he came to bat at 25/4 ahead of MSD who was hiding down the order. In the context of the game and the time he came to bat, strike rate had no significance.

I hope you come up with somewhat more logical argument next time you are quoting me

It's ok. I found your comment regarding Hardik Pandya winning the T20 WC in UAE for India hilarious too. May be you are finding it hard to understand that a cricket team needs a balance. He can't even bowl 10 overs in ODIs. On what basis will he keep his place in this side? Now you will find this hilarious too but Shardul Thakur has started to outperform this wannabe West Indian superstar in every format. I don't have any problem with him in T20s though. His 10-15 runs can really help India.

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

Pandya should only play in t20s batting at 6.
However in odis he doesn't warrant a play in the team as a batter.He has to bowl.

I agree and anyone who understands cricket will agree with your post too.

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

It seems Pandya fans are running out of ideas to defend him now.

[Ab Fan]

And quite hillariously as they say , V Iyer has been dropped from the side as he doesn't seem to be able enough to fulfill the gap of Hardik Pandya with his 120-122 kph bowling speed and a 67 strike rate knock after coming to bat at 200/4(35 overs) .

Clearly, Pandya is missed as he was one of the rare breeds in that team and that forces India to go back to 6 batsman + 5 bowlers pattern. Looks like Kohli or maybe Iyer will be sixth bowler if it really requires.

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

And quite hillariously as they say , V Iyer has been dropped from the side as he doesn't seem to be able enough to fulfill the gap of Hardik Pandya with his 120-122 kph bowling speed and a 67 strike rate knock after coming to bat at 200/4(35 overs) .

Clearly, Pandya is missed as he was one of the rare breeds in that team and that forces India to go back to 6 batsman + 5 bowlers pattern. Looks like Kohli or maybe Iyer will be sixth bowler if it really requires.

Yeah after just 2 games.

What a rare breed Pandya was. Played as an allrounder but only choose to bat.

[Ab Fan]

What a downhill for India after the loss of Hardik Pandya!

Oh my, I can't believe this team would go down to such lows in absence of HP.

[Ashmal]

What a downhill for India after the loss of Hardik Pandya!

Oh my, I can't believe this team would go down to such lows in absence of HP.

Agreed....Pandya should be the next Indian captain in all formats

[Ab Fan]

A fully fit and firing Pandya is a pleasure to watch. The guy came to bat at 3 today and he has played the good mix of aggressive as well as anchoring the innings superbly. Further, he has also bowled on some occasions with the new ball itself. This is a pure definition of a genuine T20 match winner and Pandya is one. Simply cannot look beyond him given the conditions are Australian for next T20 World Cup. He and Pant must be there in Australia.

UAE wickets were slow and dry and Pandya was not fit completely to bowl full quota but in Australia, he will be extremely lethal with both bat and bowl.

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

A fully fit and firing Pandya is a pleasure to watch. The guy came to bat at 3 today and he has played the good mix of aggressive as well as anchoring the innings superbly. Further, he has also bowled on some occasions with the new ball itself. This is a pure definition of a genuine T20 match winner and Pandya is one. Simply cannot look beyond him given the conditions are Australian for next T20 World Cup. He and Pant must be there in Australia.

UAE wickets were slow and dry and Pandya was not fit completely to bowl full quota but in Australia, he will be extremely lethal with both bat and bowl.

I find it funny that Pandya fans are consistently using the word 'fully fit' alongside his name these days. As if he was never fit when he played for India or he was smashing bowlers left, right and center whenever he was fully fit.

[Sidilicious]

A fully fit and firing Pandya is a pleasure to watch. The guy came to bat at 3 today and he has played the good mix of aggressive as well as anchoring the innings superbly. Further, he has also bowled on some occasions with the new ball itself. This is a pure definition of a genuine T20 match winner and Pandya is one. Simply cannot look beyond him given the conditions are Australian for next T20 World Cup. He and Pant must be there in Australia.

UAE wickets were slow and dry and Pandya was not fit completely to bowl full quota but in Australia, he will be extremely lethal with both bat and bowl.

If Pandya is not able to reliably bowl 4 overs every match, he should not be in the Indian team.

If he is able to bowl, then he might deserve his place in the team. If not, then he doesn’t.

[Ab Fan]

If Pandya is not able to reliably bowl 4 overs every match, he should not be in the Indian team.

If he is able to bowl, then he might deserve his place in the team. If not, then he doesn’t.

He is a much better T20 batsman than Jadeja and in T20 format, he is also a better bowler than him. He doesn't have to bowl 4 overs every match to find a place. Jadeja often goes under radar due to his performance in tests and people don't question him but we should be aware of looking at other options at that position too. Jadeja's T20I career has been a much bigger disappointment than anyone.

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

He is a much better T20 batsman than Jadeja and in T20 format, he is also a better bowler than him. He doesn't have to bowl 4 overs every match to find a place. Jadeja often goes under radar due to his performance in tests and people don't question him but we should be aware of looking at other options at that position too. Jadeja's T20I career has been a much bigger disappointment than anyone.

Jadeja was never hyped like Pandya and we shouldn't compare Pandya with Jadeja anyway. Both Jadeja and Thakur can play for India whereas Pandya should take a long break after playing in IPL because he is too weak to represent India in Internationals these days.

[Ab Fan]

Jadeja was never hyped like Pandya and we shouldn't compare Pandya with Jadeja anyway. Both Jadeja and Thakur can play for India whereas Pandya should take a long break after playing in IPL because he is too weak to represent India in Internationals these days.

In T20s, both Jadeja and Thakur are way inferior to Pandya. But I understand since you are a fake wannabe Indian and support some other team, obviously you gonna root for inferior players. So, no surprises there

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

In T20s, both Jadeja and Thakur are way inferior to Pandya. But I understand since you are a fake wannabe Indian and support some other team, obviously you gonna root for inferior players. So, no surprises there

I know you are having a tough time these days due to obvious reasons but don't try to vent out your frustration on me just like you always do. You are a low quality poster who keeps quoting me even after saying that you won't.

And Thakur has a bowling average of 23 and a batting average of 23 with SR 181. Thakur has proven time and again that he is no way inferior to that wannabe West Indian. And he is already superior in a format which you like the most. Case closed.

[Ab Fan]

I know you are having a tough time these days due to obvious reasons but don't try to vent out your frustration on me just like you always do. You are a low quality poster who keeps quoting me even after saying that you won't.

And Thakur has a bowling average of 23 and a batting average of 23 with SR 181. Thakur has proven time and again that he is no way inferior to that wannabe West Indian. And he is already superior in a format which you like the most. Case closed.

Okay..let's not go that way and stick ourselves to cricketing discussion.

Firstly, Shardul is not even our best choice for bowling all rounder at 8 because his LOI bowling is pretty poor. A good pinch hitter for final few overs but his LOI bowling is just not good enough. Deepak Chahar is a better option of the two as he picks wickets upfront, both will leak runs but DC will pick wickets upfront.

Hardik is more of a no 5 with bat, he is a spin destroyer and can smack pacers too in the death overs if he is set. Also you are wrong in saying that Pandya was never good with bowl. He bowled full quota of 10 overs in ODI World Cup 2019 regularly. In T20Is, his bowling average also is 26 so it is actually good for a batting A/R.

In limited overs, Pandya is the best all rounder of the four with Deepak Chahar as second best. Shardul and Jadeja both are overrated in LOIs. Jadeja has lost us plenty of T20I games, he shouldn't be in the T20s, gets in only due to experience and because he has done well in other formats. Just look at Jadeja's stats for reference. He has actually improved it after the recent SL series on flat wickets with no Hasarnaga in that side but it was even worse before that.

[RedwoodOriginal]

One of the most overrated cricketers in the world. Don't get why India waste so much time on him.

[Ab Fan]

Sitting on top of the table, the captain and the leader Hardik Pandya have shown this season how it is done that too with a mediocre top 3 of Gill, Saha and Vijay Shankar.

Hardik Pandya, the all rounder, the captain and the phenomenon has arrived. The rise comes after fall, we saw the fall last year and this year we will see the rise. He will be one of the favourites for India to stand a chance of winning the World T20 this year from Indian team, the question is will others support him? Or will the top order get fizzled like last year?

[Maher96]

He add great value with his all- round skills. Lately his batting has been heavier on the bowling.

Valuable in the field and growing in stature as a leader.

[Smbhayi]

Sitting on top of the table, the captain and the leader Hardik Pandya have shown this season how it is done that too with a mediocre top 3 of Gill, Saha and Vijay Shankar.

Why you include Saha? He's a good opener for SRH too.. and how is Gill is a bad player?

[Ab Fan]

Why you include Saha? He's a good opener for SRH too.. and how is Gill is a bad player?

Both Gill and Saha are mediocre T20 players but under Pandya's leadership, they seem to be performing better than expected.

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

Sitting on top of the table, the captain and the leader Hardik Pandya have shown this season how it is done that too with a mediocre top 3 of Gill, Saha and Vijay Shankar.

Hardik Pandya, the all rounder, the captain and the phenomenon has arrived. The rise comes after fall, we saw the fall last year and this year we will see the rise. He will be one of the favourites for India to stand a chance of winning the World T20 this year from Indian team, the question is will others support him? Or will the top order get fizzled like last year?

LMAO you said the same thing last year also.

[Ab Fan]

LMAO you said the same thing last year also.

It will happen. The question is not if but when. He already seems to be leading his IPL franchise on top of the table and that too with mediocre T20 top order batting lineup of Gill,Saha and Vijay Shankar.

Dhoni also flopped in six tournament and won only once in WT20 tournament. But it happened so will be the case with the phenomenon that Hardik Pandya is. An excellent leader of men as he is showing this season and the fantastic LOI all rounder he is that we already know. I think it is only a matter of getting hold on to that one ICC tournament where he will transition from a talented arrogant boy to a mature experienced leader of men but the glimpses and process for the same is there for us to see.

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

It will happen. The question is not if but when. He already seems to be leading his IPL franchise on top of the table and that too with mediocre T20 top order batting lineup of Gill,Saha and Vijay Shankar.

Dhoni also flopped in six tournament and won only once in WT20 tournament. But it happened so will be the case with the phenomenon that Hardik Pandya is. An excellent leader of men as he is showing this season and the fantastic LOI all rounder he is that we already know. I think it is only a matter of getting hold on to that one ICC tournament where he will transition from a talented arrogant boy to a mature experienced leader of men but the glimpses and process for the same is there for us to see.

Is he bowling or not? If he is not bowling then he shouldn't even be in the squad.

[Local.Dada]

Seems to be a good leader too. Fine player. Never judge a book by his cover. Has hit 140+ with the ball and seems to be in prime batting form. Excited. Franchise player.

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

Seems to be a good leader too. Fine player. Never judge a book by his cover. Has hit 140+ with the ball and seems to be in prime batting form. Excited. Franchise player.

International player?

[Ab Fan]

Is he bowling or not? If he is not bowling then he shouldn't even be in the squad.

Overs bowled this season:

Pandya - 18.3 overs
V Iyer - 3 overs

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

Overs bowled this season:

Pandya - 18.3 overs
V Iyer - 3 overs

So now that he has become captain, he is putting extra effort for his team and bowling? His back starts hurting when he has to bowl for India lol. What a player.