Hardik Pandya could be the game-changer in the ODI World Cup – Aakash Chopra

Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra feels Hardik Pandya could be the game-changer for the team in the ODI World Cup. Chopra reckons the all-rounders role will be imperative in the ODI showpiece and Pandya will hold the key to India’s chances of going all the way in the mega event.

Pandya could not lead from the front with the bat in the five-match series against the West Indies as he could only manage 77 runs in four innings at an average of 25.67 and a subdued strike rate of 110. Furthermore, Pandya took four wickets in the series at an average of 31.50 and he will be looking to turn the tables in the Asia Cup.

Chopra said on his YouTube Channel, “Let’s establish the fact that how important he is for India. There is only one Hardik Pandya in the country, who can bowl fast, can bowl with the new ball and in the middle, has the ability to bowl at nearly 140 kph, and then bats and there too has the ability to bat down the order.”

The former KKR batter feels Pandya’s role will be important to India’s chances in the ODI World Cup.

“I really think that he could be that game-changer. His doing well is directly related to India doing well. If we have to win the World Cup, the focus will be on the all-rounders’ performances and among them, he is an extremely crucial cog in India’s dream of success.”

The reputed commentator added there is no one like Hardik Pandya in the country as he is a quality seam-bowling all-rounder, who can deliver with both bat and ball.

“We try to find someone like him. If we get Shardul (Thakur), we get a bowling all-rounder. If we see Vijay Shankar and Shivam Dube, they are not bowling. So you don’t get an all-rounder of that quality. A fast-bowling all-rounder and the ability to finish, there is no one like Hardik.”

On the other hand, there is no bereft of spin-bowling all-rounders in the team as there are players like Axar Patel, Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja.

“You get spin-bowling all-rounders, whether it is Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel or Washington Sundar. I am talking about white-ball cricket or else I would have taken (Ravichandran) Ashwin’s name as well.”

India will next take on Ireland in three-match T20I series.