Hardik Pandya is the most exciting talent Indian cricket possesses at the moment. He has gone from strength to strength ever since breaking into the Indian team more than a year ago. His hard-hitting abilities and useful medium pace bowling have made everyone feel highly optimistic about his role in the future success for India.
Irfan Pathan, Pandya’s senior in the Baroda Ranji team, has witnessed the youngster grow as a cricketer at every stage. Pathan was also at the same stage during his career at one point where he seemed like the perfect answer to Indian need for a seam-bowling all-rounder. He was briefly successful too but could make a huge impact before fading away. Having been gone through such periods of highs and lows, Pathan properly understands the need to keep the goals small and realistic.
During a recent interview with the PTI, Pathan asserted on that fact that Pandya should not put under pressure at this stage and any comparison with former players should be avoided for the betterment of the 23-year-old.
Just like Pathan, who was considered as a possible successor to Kapil Dev during the peak of his career, Pandya is also facing a similar burden of expectations. Many experts feel the most suited to emulate the kind of success Kapil Dev tasted in his career. Chief selector MSK Prasad is the most prominent name who has endorsed this fact.
“I think he will be the first Hardik Pandya! Let’s not compare him with anyone. Let’s give him some time. Let’s not push too much pressure on him. Let him play freely because that way growth is bound to happen,” said Pathan.
Now out of the national selection radar, Pathan will be seen in action during the upcoming Ranji season. The veteran cricketer is all set to lead his Baroda after being appointed as the captain recently.