Indian Cricket Team Captain Hardik Pandya "Work In Progress", Batter Pandya 'Needs Runs': Ex-Star Raises Concerns

15.08.2023 - 05:53 sports.ndtv.com

After India's 3-2 loss to West indies in the recently-concluded T20I series, former wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel opined that captain Hardik Pandya is "still a work in progress".

Brandon King's superb unbeaten 85 led West Indies to an eight-wicket win over India in the series-deciding fifth T20I on Sunday.

Set a target of 166 to win the final game, in Lauderhill, Florida, West Indies reached their target with two overs to spare with Nicholas Pooran scoring 47 in a partnership of 107 with King.

The win was a morale-booster for West Indies cricket after the one-day team failed, last month, to qualify for the World Cup for the first time in their history.

cricket India Cricket Team West Indies Cricket Team 2023 Nicholas Pooran Hardik Pandya Yuzvendra Chahal Axar Patel Australia India

As India and Pakistan took on each other in the Asia Cup 2023 match on Saturday, it was the 'sprit of cricket' that emerged as the true winner. Since the build-up phase of the Indo-Pak clash, a number of pictures, videos and stories have surfaced on social media, highlighting the camaraderie between the players of the two teams. During the match at the Pallekele International Stadium in Sri Lanka, a picture went viral where India's Hardik Pandya could be seen getting his shoelace tied by Shadab Khan.

"It Tests Your Character...": Hardik Pandya's Mega Statement Ahead of India vs Pakistan Clash In Asia Cup 2023

The India-Pakistan match is one of the most anticipated cricket games in the world and with the teams not playing bilateral series since 2013, the only chance to witness this rivalry is at continental or International Cricket Council (ICC) events. With the two teams coming face-to-face in the Asia Cup 2023 on Saturday, India all-rounder Hardik Pandya outlined the fixture's importance for both the players and the fans. He spoke about the intensity that the match brings for both sides and how it ends up being a 'test of character and personality' for all the players.

Asia Cup 2023: Hardik Pandya Expresses Love For Wife Natasa Stankovic With Series Of Photos Ahead Of Continental Event

Hardik Pandya will be a crucial cog in the wheel for India at the Asia Cup and the World Cup. His role will be important in the India vs Pakistan clash that is schedule to be held on September 2. While India have many options in bowling and batting department, Pandya's replacement is hard to find. He is one of the best fast bowling allrounders in the world. Simply put, he provides a balance to the team unlike any other player. So, when India get down to action against Pakistan, Pandya's performance.

"Hardik Pandya Is An Impact Player": IPL Winning Coach Praises All-Rounder Ahead Of Asia Cup

Former Australian cricketer Tom Moody said that flexibility is important in modern-day cricket and Team India may be required to throw someone like the all-rounder Hardik Pandya up the order. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Monday announced a strong 17-member squad for the upcoming Asia Cup which will begin on August 30 with Jasprit Bumrah, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul returning to the squad and Tilak Verma also getting a place in the team. Speaking exclusively to ESPNCricinfo, Moody spoke on Rohit Sharma's statement concerning flexibility in the line-up.

"Where Is The Hardik Pandya That...": India's World Cup-winning Star Raises Concerns Over All-Rounder's Form

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) named a 17-member squad for the Asia Cup 2023, starting August 30th. The squad announcement saw the returns of KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer, with young batter Tilak Varma receiving his maiden call-up. Rohit Sharma will lead the team during the tournament, while Hardik Pandya will deputise him. Former India all-rounder Madan Lal, however, expressed concerns over Hardik's form, despite admitting that the Gujarat Titans captain could be India's next skipper.

Hardik Pandya's Form Concerns Ex-India Star Ahead Of World Cup, Drops Yuvraj Singh Reference

Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar has raised doubts over Hardik Pandya's role in the team for the World Cup. Manjrekar feels Hardik, who has been rested for the ongoing T20I series against Ireland, would need to contribute with both bat and ball to increase India's chances of winning the marquee event. To further back his claim, Manjrekar pointed out how Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina chipped in with crucial contributions with both bat and ball during India's World Cup triumph in 2011.