Former Australian skipper Michael Clarke feels that Team India felt the absence of their star all-rounder Hardik Pandya keenly during the opening ODI in Perth. The Men in Blue struggled both with the bat and ball, allowing the hosts to secure a comfortable seven-wicket victory and take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Hardik had been instrumental in India’s recent 2025 Asia Cup win in the UAE. Unfortunately, he sustained a left quadriceps injury in India’s final Super Four clash against Sri Lanka, ruling him out of the final. Speaking on Hardik’s impact and the effect of his absence on India, Clarke shared his thoughts on the Beyond23 Cricket Podcast:
“His bowling, if he’s fully fit, is so important to India, whether it’s T20, ODI or if he was still playing Tests. So he was significantly missed in the opening game. His power-hitting in the middle, the bowling and his attitude as well, that take on the Australian attitude, he’s always played that brand of cricket.”
“I Wish Hardik Were Still Part Of India’s Test Squad”- Michael Clarke
Michael Clarke feels that Hardik Pandya would bring immense value to Team India if he were still featuring in Test cricket. The 31-year-old hasn’t played in the red-ball format since 2018 due to ongoing fitness issues.
“I wish Hardik was still playing Test cricket. I just think he’s the genuine bowling all-rounder,” said Clarke (via the aforementioned source).
The former Australian captain also feels that India felt the absence of star pacer Jasprit Bumrah on the lively Perth pitch during the opening ODI. While chasing 131 in 26 overs, the Australian batters handled the Indian bowling attack comfortably, sealing the target by the 22nd over.
“First and foremost, they missed Bumrah. You add someone with Bumrah’s class at 145+ on that pitch, though I still feel they didn’t make enough runs, but with Bumrah, it’s a very different attack,” he stated.
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