Hardik Pandya is just not only tactically sound, but he is very calm on the field as a leader – VVS Laxman

India’s interim head coach VVS Laxman has showered praise on Hardik Pandya, who will be leading the team in the T20I series against New Zealand. Laxman said Pandya is just not only tactically sound but is very calm on the field as a leader, which is key to success in the shortest format of the game.

The all-rounder was able to prove his mettle as a leader in the IPL as he led Gujarat Titans to glory in their maiden season of the tournament. Pandya was able to lead from the front as he amassed 487 runs in the lucrative tournament.

Subsequently, Pandya was given captaincy duties for the two-match series against Ireland and he led the team to a 2-0 win. Pandya has been a leader within a group and he has done a fine job since returning from injury.

VVS Laxman said in the press conference, “Hardik Pandya is a fabulous leader. We have seen what he has done with Gujarat Titans in the IPL. Taking leadership in the first year of the franchise in the tournament, and winning the league is not a mean achievement. I have spent a lot of time with him since the Ireland series, he is just not only tactically sound, but he is very calm on the field and that is something which is very important at the highest level.”

Laxman continued: “There would be situations when you would be under pressure and that is when you are required to be calm as a leader. Also, his presence in the dressing room, and his work ethics are exemplary. The way he leads the side both on and off the field is fabulous.”

“I think he is a players’ captain, he is very approachable. All the players go up to him and confide with him. I think that is something which I really like about Hardik, and he leads by example both on and off the field.”

Laxman added that the T20 format should be played with a lot of freedom and clarity of thought as the game is really fast.

“I think T20 cricket requires playing with a lot of freedom and clarity of thought. And how much time I have spent with these guys and watching them grow over the years into wonderful international cricketers, I think that is their strength. In T20 cricket, you are required to play with a fearless attitude but at the same time, it is important to assess the conditions and situations and fulfill the needs of the team.”
Laxman continued:

“It is important to be flexible. I think in T20 cricket, you are required to express yourself and that is when you will be successful. I think T20 cricket has shown us over the years that the more amount of multi-dimensional players you have, the better for the team. You have bowlers who can bat, and batters who can bowl, and that is the way forward.”

The first T20I between India and New Zealand will be played in Wellington on Friday.