Hardik Pandya’s Resilient Innings Strengthens India Against Pakistan
Former Cricketer Wasim Jaffer Commends Pandya’s Performance
In the recent match against arch-rivals Pakistan, Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya showcased a brilliant display of resilience and skill under pressure. Former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer commended Pandya’s performance. He emphasized that when Pandya plays in this manner, it significantly strengthens India’s cricket team.
Pandya Takes Center Stage in a Rocky Start for Team India
The encounter saw Team India winning the toss and opting to bat first against Pakistan in Pallekele. However, the Men in Blue faced a rocky start, losing four wickets for just 66 runs on the board. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, and Shubman Gill all departed early, leaving India in a precarious situation.
A Crucial Partnership Resurrects the Indian Innings
It was at this critical juncture that Hardik Pandya took center stage. Pandya, who scored 87 runs off 90 deliveries, partnered with Ishan Kishan (82 off 81) to resurrect the Indian innings. Together, they constructed a crucial 138-run partnership for the fifth wicket, guiding India to a respectable total of 266 runs in 48.5 overs.
Jaffer Praises Pandya’s Performance and Playing Style
Wasim Jaffer, during a discussion on ESPNcricinfo, praised Pandya’s performance and highlighted the significance of his innings. Jaffer remarked, “He played a responsible knock under pressure. He looked very assured and the fluency was back. I feel Hardik Pandya plays better when the ball comes onto the bat nicely. He likes pace and that was evident in the match the way he played fast bowlers. He used the pace very well and played some nice strokes against Haris Rauf.”
The Impact of Pandya’s Consistency
Jaffer stressed that if Pandya can consistently perform in this manner while batting at No. 6, he would be a substantial asset for India. “Overall, that was an excellent knock. Coming in at number six and being a member of that partnership at that point… As a result of that collaboration, India received a respectable total. If Hardik Pandya continues to play in this manner, a large jigsaw puzzle for India will be completed. If he can play in this style while also bowling a few overs, India will benefit greatly,” Jaffer concluded.
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