Former skipper for India Sunil Gavaskar has lauded the efforts of Men in Blue all-rounder Hardik Pandya. The promising all-rounder Pandya earn accolades for his spectacular show in Wellington, In the fifth and final ODI of India vs New Zealand 2019 series, Pandya smashed consecutive three sixes on the bowling of leg-spinner Todd Astle. Gavaskar further revealed that he cherished the late order Westpac blitz from Pandya.
Pandya’s blazing knock propelled India to set the target of 253 for the Black Caps.
“It was magnificent to watch, it was delightful to watch,” Gavaskar told during a show on Star Sports.
Moreover, admitted the fact that Pandya has made up his mind to make most of the bad balls. Gavaskar added the Baroda-based batsmen didn’t look anxious during the innings.
Furthermore, Gavaskar reiterated that such counterpunch adds much to the team. Eventually, it helps in boosting the morale of teammates back in the dressing room. He added Pandya has got 40-50 runs as an add on, but India went on to seal the series by winning Wellington ODI by 35 runs by dismissing Kiwis on 217 in 44.1 overs.
Gavaskar wants Pandya to bat up the order:
Gavaskar suggests for promoting Pandya to provide much what he has on offer. He believes his hard-hitting prowess of Pandya is the specific reason that pushed skipper to send him after Vijay Shankar and Kedar Jadhav.
“Yes, this is exactly what the Indian team wants from him. That is the reason, [they] held [him] back and Vijay Shankar and Kedar Jadhav were sent ahead. But sometimes, why not give him a few more overs?” Gavaskar maintained.
The 69-year-old former Team India top-order batsman Gavaskar asserted Pandya could add crucial 25-45 extra runs if he comes to bat after 35 overs.
“Instead of the last 10 overs, if he gets to bat may 15 overs, those extra five overs could mean another 25 or even 45 runs,” Gavaskar added.
The 25-year-old Pandya, who made his return in the Bay Oval ODI, weathered criticism for Hamilton ODI. Although Pandya managed four wickets in three ODIs, Gavaskar sees he has learned from his mistakes.
“There were questions being asked after he got out in the previous game [Hamilton]. The situation was similar and he had looked to play the aggressive game and got out. He has learnt from that,” Gavaskar said.
Earlier, Pandya selection committee introduced in the Team India squad after Committee of Administrators (CoA) lifted the interim ban on January 24 alongside his teammate KL Rahul. However, on February 5, the Supreme Court has set the provisional hearing date.
The duo got suspended on January 11 for inappropriate comments on Koffee with Karan TV show.