Former India opening batsman Sanjay Manjrekar has accepted that Hardik Pandya has refuted him with his batting display in the recently concluded ODI series between India and Australia where Australia avenged the visiting side 2-1 in the series.
The India allrounder played all three games as a specialist batsman as he was recovering from an injury which restricted him from bowling. But in the 2nd ODI we did see glimpses of Pandya bowling wherein he dismissed Australia’s show stopper, Steve Smith. In the first ODI of the series, Pandya scored 90 whereas in the 3rd ODI he scored an unbeaten knock of 92 runs in a 50 run partnership with Ravindra Jadeja.
Last time Manjrekar targeted the likes of Hardik Pandya as he stressed upon the inclusion of specialist players who can contribute to the side with discipline in one speciality rather than not being great in any of the skills.
“My selection and thoughts are based on a principle that I have learned over the years: if you have specialists who can walk-in based on one discipline, you fill your team with those players,” Manjrekar had told The Hindu.
The cricketer-turned-commentator Sanjay Manjrekar further added how Hardik Pandya won’t be a part of his side since he adds a lot of illusory value.
“Even Hardik Pandya will not be in my team. They add illusory value to the team. Of course, I have always rated Jadeja highly in the Test format,” he added.
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Sanjay Manjrekar Changes His Mind Regarding Hardik Pandya
However, now after watching Hardik Pandya’s stunning display with the bat in the ODI series purely as a batsman, it has managed to change Sanjay Manjrekar’s mind. He has finally accepted the fact that he was wrong about Pandya’s place in the side purely as a batsman.
“Was sceptical about Hardik the pure batsman in 50 overs cricket. Not anymore,” Sanjay Manjrekar wrote on Twitter after the 3rd ODI.
Was skeptical about Hardik the pure batsman in 50 overs cricket. Not anymore. 🙏👏👏👏#AUSvsIND
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) December 2, 2020
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