After winning the first test match by 304 runs at Galle today, Indian captain Virat Kohli said that Hardik Pandya could become like Ben Stokes who plays for England. Pandya made his test debut against Sri Lanka in this test match. He scored a quick fire fifty and took 1 wicket in the match. His ability to bowl with speed at 135 Kmph is a good thing for Indian Cricket.
Hardik Pandya has played so 17 One day Internationals and 19 T20 matches for India. His ability to hit big sixes and put pressure on the bowlers shows that he could become a genuine all-rounder.
“ I have a lot of faith in Hardik Pandya as far as any format is concerned. If he grows in confidence you see someone like Ben Stokes, what he does for England, brings in great balance as an all-rounder. I see no reason why Hardik Pandya can”t become like that for India”.
Ben Stokes is one the best all-rounders in international cricket at the present moment. He comes at number 5 and can change the course of the game with his power hitting. In the IPL 10, Pune Super Giants brought him. The England all-rounder played a key role in helping Rising Pune Supergiant to reach the finals. Apart from his aggressive batting, he gives wickets with his bowling which makes life tough for opposition batsmen.
In international Cricket for England, Ben Stokes has played a total of 34 test matches, 59 ODI’s and 21 T20 matches for the country. He played a key role in helping England to reach the finals of World T20 held in India last year.
Hardik Pandya is a promising all-rounder who can give vital runs in the lower order. He needs to work on bowling 10 overs in ODI cricket. In the recently concluded Champions Trophy 2017, the hard hitting all-rounder smashed 10 sixes. His fielding gives a boost to the Indian team.
“ During the first innings at Galle, we would have been 540-550. He got 50 runs quickly and that saves time as well. That gives another 15 overs to bowl the opposition. And his fielding is tremendous,” Virat Kohli added.
