He is going to be a game-changer for India: Sunil Gavaskar on Hardik Pandya

Former Indian legendary Sunil Gavaskar has showered praise on Hardik Pandya. The Little Master believes the all-rounder will be a game-changer for India in the T20 World Cup. Gavaskar feels Pandya is going to make a positive impact with both bat as well as the ball.

Pandya amassed 487 runs in 15 matches at an impressive average of 44.27 and scored his runs at a strike rate of 131.27 in Tata IPL 2022 while leading Gujarat Titans and thus played a huge role in the success of his team.

Thus, Pandya has been in fine form and he will look to continue the same for India. The right-hander scored an unbeaten knock of 31 runs off just 12 balls in the first T20I at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi on Thursday against South Africa to add the finishing touches.

On the other hand, Gavaskar wants Hardik Pandya to also bowl with the new ball in the upcoming matches.

“I think he is going to be the game-changer for India, more often than not, in all the matches that are due to come, not just the World Cup but every single match that India plays, whether he bats at No. 5, whether he comes into bowl at first change or second change. Sometimes I will actually want to see him with the new ball,” Sunil Gavaskar said while talking to Star Sports.

When former South African captain Graeme Smith was asked whether India needs Hardik Pandya as a finisher more than an all-rounder.

He said, “No, I disagree. You need the finisher as well but I think the all-around package of Hardik Pandya gives India options in selection.”

“It might give you the option of playing the extra spinner or a bowler less and strengthen your batting and going into the World Cup, I think having him as a full-blown all-rounder is key to the balance of India’s team,” he added.

There is no doubt that Hardik Pandya is going to be an asset for the Indian team in the T20 World Cup as he can deliver the goods with both bat and ball. Pandya can be a bit expensive with the ball and he will look to get better before the T20I showpiece.