Cricket News

Former Indian player feels that Hardik Pandya should bat at number four

Hardik Pandya is considered one of the rising stars of Indian cricket. Since his international debut in the year 2016, the all-rounder has been a pivotal part of the Indian Cricket Team in white-ball cricket.

After smooth sailing for some years, Pandya’s career went through a downward slope. He received a lot of flak from fans after his inability to bowl due to his back injury.

After a brief phase of gloomy days, Pandya has stormed back into the Indian team with a bang, showcasing consistent performances in the lower order. He was involved in a match-winning partnership with Dinesh Karthik in the 4^th T20I, smashing 46 off 31 balls with 3 fours and 3 sixes to his name.

After his swashbuckling innings, former Indian fast bowler Zaheer Khan said that the all-rounder would like to bat at number 4 ideally. The former Indian bowler feels that he hasn’t looked rushed and is enjoying his role in the Gujarat franchise.

Speaking to Cricbuzz, Zaheer said, “He would like to be number four ideally. He does understand what the team requires and how he should mold his game. If you lose early wickets, at number five. that’s the situation he thrives upon. Since this Indian T20 league, it is very visible that he is enjoying such a challenge. He is not looking rushed. So that’s the beauty of his batting at the moment. And that’s the part I am enjoying. As a batter, if you feel that ‘I am in control and I can change the gears any time I require’, that’s when you get that confidence.”

“When you lose early wickets as a team, you need a temperament like that. Someone who is assured of his ability, but also absorbs pressure which means slowing down. So, if he can maintain this form and bowl, then that’s the best thing for maintaining the team’s balance. So, Rahul Dravid will be very happy, and the Indian team management will be very happy,” he added.

Pandya would like to continue with his good form as India faces South Africa today at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru starting at 7:00 pm. The series is levelled at 2-2 and both the teams will be looking to seal the series with a win in the fifth T20I.