Continuing his evolution in limited-overs cricket, all-rounder Hardik Pandya guided Team India to an impressive T20I series win over New Zealand. While Team India completely whitewashed New Zealand in a three-match ODI series under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya propelled the hosts to a 2-1 series win over the Black Caps in the shortest format. Though Pandya has opted to prioritize white-ball cricket, former Proteas all-rounder JP Duminy has urged Pandya to become India’s next all-format player.

During a recent chat with Hindustan Times, JP Duminy said, “I’m always gonna be an advocate for all formats. I think if a player has the ability to influence the game and the player, you referring to Hardik, obviously, I’ve played with him as well.”

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He further added, “I think he has the ability to really be a great player for India across all formats. Now the reasoning for – why he is prioritising white-ball, I would not know but I would certainly encourage him to do all (formats).”

Hardik Pandya has played 11 Test matches for Team India. The 29-year-old last played a Test match for India in 2018 at Southampton. Duminy, who represented South Africa in 46 Test matches from 2008 to 2017, also made a prediction for the scoreline of the high-profile Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia.

Duminy reckoned that the Aussies are the team to beat in the second edition of the ICC World Test Championship. Backing visitors Australia to win the series in India with a 2-1 margin, the Paarl Royals head coach has also tipped opener Usman Khawaja to emerge as the Player of the Series.

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JP Duminy elaborated, “I see it as a very close series, but I genuinely think that Australia stand a good chance. They certainly have been the team to beat. I feel it would be 2-1 to Australia and the Player of The Series for me would be Usman Khawaja.”