Former India batter Wasim Jaffer praised India all-rounder Hardik Pandya for his responsible knock under pressure in the Asia Cup 2023 match against Pakistan in Pallekele on Saturday. According to him, when Pandya bats in the way that he did against Pakistan, India look much more settled in the middle. However, India got off to a poor start, losing four wickets for 66. Rohit Sharma (11), Virat Kohli (4), Shreyas Iyer (14) and Shubman Gill (10) were all back within the 15 overs. Then Pandya (87 off 90)and Ishan Kishan (82 off 81) steadied the ship, adding 138 for the fifth wicket as India ended up posting 266 in 48.5 overs as well.
During a discussion on ESPNcricinfo, Jaffer lauded Pandya: “He played a responsible knock under pressure. He looked very assured and the fluency was back. I feel Hardik Pandya plays better when the ball comes onto the bat nicely. He likes pace and that was evident in the match the way he played fast bowlers. He used the pace very well and played some nice strokes against Haris Rauf.”
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“Overall, it was a very mature knock. Coming to bat at number six and featuring in that partnership at that stage … India got a decent total due to that partnership.”If Hardik Pandya plays in such a manner, a big jigsaw puzzle gets solved for India. If he can play in this manner and also bowl a few overs, it’s a big plus for India,” Wasim Jaffer again shared.
Another former India batter, Robin Uthappa, stated that the execution of strokes was the standout feature of Hardik Pandya’s innings on Saturday in Pallekele.
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“The way he batted and the control he showed, his shot execution was incredible to watch. The way he pulled and hooked Haris Rauf, phenomenal batting. There was not one shot where it seemed like he was slogging. They were all clean and crisp strokes. He is looking in good rhythm,” he said.
