All-rounder Hardik Pandya returned to the spotlight for guiding India to victory in the second T20I against Australia on Sunday. His quick 42 no out on just 22 balls put the finishing touch to India’s 195-run chase, giving the tourists an unassailable 2-0 lead on the T20I rubber.
Impressed by Pandya’s heroics in Sydney, former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh has stated that Pandya has now become a suitable finalist for Team India. The veteran spinner opined that the young Indian off-roader is better than the Caribbean cricketer Andre Russell.
“Confidence increases every day. The [Pandya] is someone who is a suitable finalist for team India. He’s as good as Russell, maybe better than I would say. It’s getting to six at will, ”Harbhajan was quoted as saying by India Today.
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“The [Pandya] I always had the talent. We knew he could hit six big. But now he has been playing consistently, he has the idea to stay there and finish the game, “he added.
Harbhajan was happy to see Pandya playing the role of finalist. The former spinner player praised Pandya’s skill with the bat and called him a “mature hitter.”
“At the same time, he also has the technique. It is someone who can also take singles. Not someone who just likes to give six. He’s a very, very mature hitter, he has good technique. It’s good to see him take responsibility and finish the game like he did today, ”said Harbhajan.
“He is a very offensive player but very sensible. He knows which bowler to choose. It’s good to see him showing that maturity. His hitting is as good as any batter’s. If he can throw in a couple of leftovers, it will be the icing on the cake, ”added Harbhajan.
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Pandya was awarded the man of the match for his excellent innings that paved the way for the India series victory in Australia. Now the men in blue will look to whitewash the host when they meet the Australians in the third and final T20I in Sydney on Tuesday.
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