Former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer commended all-rounder Hardik Pandya for his composed performance in the Asia Cup 2023 match against Pakistan in Pallekele. Jaffer stated that when Pandya bats the way he did against Pakistan, India appears to be a more stable team.
In the game against Pakistan, India won the toss and opted to bat first. Unfortunately, they had a challenging start, losing four wickets with just 66 runs on the board within the first 15 overs. Rohit Sharma (11), Virat Kohli (4), Shreyas Iyer (14), and Shubman Gill (10) were all dismissed during this period.
Pandya (87 off 90) played a vital role in reviving the Indian innings alongside Ishan Kishan (82 off 81). Together, they contributed 138 runs for the fifth wicket, helping the Men in Blue reach a total of 266 runs in 48.5 overs.
In a conversation on ESPNcricinfo, Jaffer praised Pandya, stating:
“He played a responsible knock under pressure. He looked very assured and the fluency was back. I feel Hardik Pandya plays better when the ball comes onto the bat nicely. He likes pace and that was evident in the match the way he played fast bowlers. He used the pace very well and played some nice strokes against Haris Rauf.”
The ex-opening batsman mentioned that if the all-rounder maintains this consistent style of batting at the No. 6 position, it will greatly benefit India.
“Overall, it was a very mature knock. Coming to bat at number six and featuring in that partnership at that stage… India got a decent total due to that partnership. If Hardik Pandya plays in such a manner, a big jigsaw puzzle gets solved for India. If he can play in this manner and also bowl a few overs, it’s a big plus for India,” Jaffer commented.
Pandya hit seven boundaries and one six in his innings before being deceived by a slower delivery from Shaheen Afridi.
“His shot execution was incredible to watch” – Robin Uthappa’s thoughts on Pandya’s innings
Another ex-Indian batsman, Robin Uthappa, observed that the way Pandya played his shots was the most impressive aspect of his innings in Pallekele on Saturday.
“The way he batted and the control he showed, his shot execution was incredible to watch. The way he pulled and hooked Haris Rauf, phenomenal batting. There was not one shot where it seemed like he was slogging. They were all clean and crisp strokes. He is looking in good rhythm,” he stated.
Pandya’s smooth fifty signalled a positive comeback to his best form following a challenging T20I series in West Indies, where he managed just 77 runs in four innings at a strike rate of 110.
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