Archive image of Suryakumar Yadav© AFP
Hardik Pandya’s importance in Indian cricket is immense at the moment. A top fast bowling all-rounder, Pandya represents a breed that is rare in the game in the country. His presence in the XI provides a great balance and that was on display in the T20 World Cup. Pandya bowled two crucial late overs in the final against South Africa as India outpaced their rivals. He is also a handy batter. However, he is not the captain or vice-captain for the Sri Lanka T20I series and the reason was his fitness.
Former Pakistan coach Dav Whatmore, who has coached Indian domestic teams Kerala and Baroda, had something interesting to say about Pandya. He was talking about the Indian domestic circuit.
“The health of the national team is a reflection of the health of the domestic set-up. In India, there are many teams that participate in the four formats. I have worked in India for a number of years. The three formats that participate are great. Then you add the IPL. That is the secret of Indian cricket,” Dav Whatmore said on PakPassion.
“There are still people who don't play white-ball cricket. For example, in my last few years in Baroda, Hardik Pandya would never play white-ball cricket. It always amuses me that he is seen as the all-rounder of Baroda, but he hasn't played for Baroda in years! So yes, there are people who don't. But I also see that BCCI has recently become keen on players taking part in the Ranji Trophy and other tournaments.”
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