Former Indian opener, Wasim Jaffer has showered praises on the captaincy skills of Hardik Pandya, saying the all-rounder has no hesitation to take risks and his personal game does not get affected. Hardik, who captained India in the absence of Rohit Sharma, led the hosts to a five-wicket win over Australia in the first ODI. Hardik took the crucial wicket of Steve Smith before hitting 25 runs after India’s top-order collapse. Jaffer said that Hardik is dynamic and urged his players to take a chance.

During a recent conversation with ESPNCricinfo, Wasim Jaffer said, “I’ve been impressed by Hardik’s captaincy. We have been talking about it since the IPL, he’s pretty dynamic. He takes that punt on players, ask the batters to take the chance. He looks pretty heads on with the game.”

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Jaffer added that Hardik could have done better with the bat, but overall, he is impressed with the all-rounder.

Explaining the same, Wasim Jaffer asserted, “I like him as a captain, he is ready to take the risk and his personal game doesn’t go down which is pretty good. The wicket of Steve Smith was very critical from the game’s perspective. And then coming in and getting that 20-30 odd as well, could have done more but the more and more I see he impresses me.”

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Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj shared six wickets between them and Ravindra Jadeja also took a couple as India bundled out Australia for just 188 at the Wankhede Stadium on March 17. In reply, KL Rahul and Jadeja took the match deep after India lost its top order in quick succession.

Rahul (75*) and Jadeja (45*) stood tall to help India secure a five-wicket win. India will look to take an unassailable lead in the second ODI on March 19.