Aakash Chopra: Hardik Pandya Is Becoming India’s Most Valuable Player

Aakash Chopra, former Indian opener turned commentator was of the opinion that all-rounder Hardik Pandya has become one of the most vital members in the Indian line-up especially in the limited-overs formats of the game.

He made the above observation while talking about the value and contribution that Hardik Pandya brings in the team during a video shared on his Facebook page.

Aakash Chopra: Hardik Pandya Is Fast Becoming India’s Most Valuable Player In White Ball Limited Overs

Aakash Chopra initiated by suggesting that Hardik Pandya is gradually turning out as an important asset of the Indian team in shorter formats- ODIs and T20Is even ahead of stalwarts like skipper Virat Kohli, hitman Rohit Sharma and pacer Jasprit Bumrah. He said that Hardik Pandya could play a significant role if India wins 2021 T20I World Cup.

“Hardik Pandya is fast becoming India’s most valuable player in white-ball cricket. He is going to be more valuable than Kohli, Rohit, Bumrah. If India has to win the World T20, Hardik Pandya could be the one to play the biggest role in that.”

Aakash Chopra mentioned that India haven’t enjoyed title-winning runs in recent World Cups despite top-order firing with the bat. Rohit Sharma scored 5 tons in 2019 World Cup and Virat Kohli also scored consistently, but the others failed to fire.

“To start with Hardik Pandya the batsman, India has not won the last few limited-overs World Cups. Our top-order has always been good, Rohit Sharma scored five centuries in one World Cup and Virat Kohli always scores runs.”

The commentator said that it was former wicket-keeper skipper MS Dhoni’s responsibility in the past to win matches but after his retirement, Hardik Pandya’s role has increased manifold.

Aakash Chopra observed that the Baroda all-rounder has shown the ability to adjust his game according to the demands of the situation.

“Earlier there was Dhoni who used to be left alone. Now with Dhoni having left, there is no one. If you have to win the next World Cup, there is no way you can win it with just Rohit, Rahul and Kohli in the top three.”

The former KKR player pointed out that playing finisher’s role is a specialist skill and cannot be acquired easily. He added that India cannot be over-dependent only on their top three batsmen every time and would need players to finish games after MS Dhoni‘s retirement.

“It will not work with that, you need finishing because that is India’s problem in T20 or ODI cricket. We bowl well but get the problem in the finishing with the batting. The strong finishers are not present, it is a different skill which cannot be taught.”

The 43-year-old gave the example of Hardik Pandya’s whirlwind knock in the second T20I against Australia, where he proved he could perform the finisher’s role to perfection that only MS Dhoni was able to do in the recent past.

“In ODI cricket, if there is a collapse batting first then he takes his time, if you send him at the end, he just smashes the sixes. If you talk about the second T20I, in the recent past you would have felt that it is only possible if Dhoni is there but otherwise there is no chance.”

Aakash Chopra reckons that Hardik Pandya should bat at the No. 5 positions in both limited-overs formats of the game to make the best use of his abilities. He opined that earlier Rishabh Pant was the only other Indian who could take on the responsibility but failed to grab opportunities by giving away his wicket.

“The manner in which he has batted in ODI cricket and T20 cricket, in that batting position, I can see only Hardik Pandya and Rishabh Pant to some extent but his temperament at the moment and his experience of not utilizing his chances because of which he is currently out of the team. As a batsman he should be played at No.5 both in ODIs and T20Is. You need to try and send him up the order because the maturity, the upgraded batting software needs to be utilized fully by Team India.”

He observed that Hardik Pandya could solve the all-rounder’s problem by playing the dual role of a batsman along with providing India with a sixth bowling option who can bowl a few overs and break partnerships. The former Test opener mentioned that India lacks quality all-rounders inside and have to be content with just the five bowlers in the playing XI.

Aakash Chopra: If Hardik Pandya Resumes Bowling And Take Crucial Wickets, India Can Be Most Potent T20 Side

While referring to Hardik Pandya’s bowling, Aakash Chopra highlighted that India has been searching for an all-rounder over the years. Hardik Pandya isn’t bowling much nowadays to avoid aggravating his lower back pain.

“Coming to his bowling, India has been searching for all-rounders for ages. We just do not have all-rounders. We play with five bowlers because we do not have all-rounders. The others in contention are way behind.”

Aakash Chopra concluded that Hardik Pandya is slowly becoming India’s most crucial player in limited-overs cricket.

“So, if Hardik Pandya starts bowling, just think about it, the T20 world Cup is on, Hardik Pandya the batsman at No.5, Hardik Pandya the bowler who gives you three to four overs regularly, just suddenly your T20 team becomes one of the most potent sides. In my opinion, he is becoming the most important player in white-ball cricket for Team India.”

Hardik Pandya has played the role of middle-order batsman and finisher to perfection. He has been a standout performer with the bat in both ODI and T20I series against Australia. Indian team management hopes that he regains full fitness and returns to bowl again to lend much-needed balance to the Indian contingent.