India’s former legendary Sunil Gavaskar believes Hardik Pandya and Rishabh Pant can definitely form a pair like Yuvraj Singh and MS Dhoni. Yuvraj and Dhoni had played an instrumental role in the success of the team in the ODI format and had done a fine job for the team.
Similarly, Pandya and Pant have the skills to be consistent for the national team. The duo added 133 runs for the fifth wicket alliance in the deciding ODI against England at Old Trafford, Manchester on Sunday. Thus, they were able to help their team win the game by five wickets and take the series 2-1.
Pandya had played an aggressive role as he scored 71 runs from 55 balls while Pant had taken his time in the early stage before opening his arms. Pant went on to score his maiden ODI hundred as he scored a brilliant knock of 125 runs off just 113 balls to help his team get over the line.
Pant has been given the responsibility of batting at number four whereas Pandya has the onus of adding the finishing touches while batting at number six. It is well known that both of these batters have the skills to turn the match on its head with their blistering batting and India will want them to bat at their best.
Sunil Gavaskar said while talking to Sports Tak, “Yes, Hardik Pandya and Rishabh Pant can definitely form a pair like Yuvraj and Dhoni were. Both had the ability to hit huge sixes and also ran well between wickets.”
On the other hand, Hardik Pandya has made a dream return to the team after recuperating from injury. Pandya led Gujarat Titans to glory in the IPL, then led India against Ireland and he was also awarded the Player of the Series in ODIs against England after scoring 100 runs and picking six wickets in three matches.
“Hardik has made his comeback at the right time because India desperately needed an all-rounder. Now they have both Pandya and Jadeja who can bat as well as bowl ten overs. You look at teams who won world championships in 1983, 1985, 2011 and 2013, all had good all-rounders.”
India will now take on West Indies in three ODIs and five T20Is on the Caribbean tour.
