Former Pakistan cricketers Mohammad Hafeez and Shoaib Akhtar recently compared Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya to Pakistan’s Abdul Razzaq, with both agreeing that Razzaq was the superior player. Speaking on the show Game on Hai, Hafeez emphasized that Razzaq had more impact on the game but lacked proper support from the system.
He also noted that the player himself did not push his own potential to the fullest. “If you analyze Razzaq’s performances, he was a bigger and better player than Hardik. However, he was limited in his approach and didn’t challenge himself enough,” Hafeez stated. Despite his immense talent, Razzaq did not receive the attention or guidance that could have elevated his career further.
M Hafeez on Abdul Razzaq
— M (@anngrypakiistan) March 12, 2025
"Abdul Razzaq was better all rounder than Hardik Pandya."
pic.twitter.com/82Ugb9WhmV
Shoaib Akhtar on Hardik’s Limitations as a Hitter
Shoaib Akhtar weighed in on the discussion, pointing out that Hardik Pandya is not among the most powerful hitters in cricket.
According to Akhtar, while Hardik is a versatile player who adapts to different roles, he lacks the raw hitting power seen in past cricketers.
“Hardik is not like Malcolm Marshall, Waqar Younis, Brett Lee, or Javagal Srinath. He just does what is asked of him—whether it’s taking the new ball or bowling in the middle overs. But as a power hitter, he doesn’t quite stand out,” Akhtar remarked.
He also suggested that modern cricket, with its commercial appeal and exposure, gives players like Hardik a platform to shine, whereas past players had to prove themselves without the same level of recognition.
Razzaq’s Versatility and Lack of Recognition
Akhtar further elaborated on Razzaq’s versatility, recalling how he played in various positions, from opening the batting to lower-order finishing. However, despite his contributions, he was not given the respect he deserved until he played a match-winning knock against South Africa. “I was at the other end when he single-handedly won the match.
He was striking the ball so powerfully that I thought if the ball came towards me, it would pass right through me,” Akhtar recalled. He also lamented that other talented all-rounders like Azhar Mahmood were similarly overlooked. Akhtar believes that while Pandya is a quality player, Razzaq’s impact on the game was far greater, despite not receiving the same level of appreciation.
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