Renowned Indian spinner R Ashwin has lauded the exceptional batting skills of all-rounder Hardik Pandya, particularly in his ability to handle spin bowling. Ashwin has noted the remarkable transformation in Pandya’s role from a finisher to a top-order batsman since becoming the captain of the Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Hardik Pandya initially began his IPL career with the Mumbai Indians, where he primarily served as a finisher, often coming in to bat during the later stages of the innings. However, after being entrusted with the captaincy of the Gujarat Titans, Pandya displayed his versatility by taking on the No.3 batting position.
In a video on his YouTube channel, Ravichandran Ashwin discussed Pandya’s evolution as a batsman and praised his ability to strike spin bowling cleanly. Ashwin specifically highlighted Pandya’s proficiency in employing the slog sweep and conventional sweep shots.
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Ashwin reminisced about Pandya’s maiden Test century against Sri Lanka in Pallekele, where he effectively utilized these sweep shots. Despite occasional suggestions that Pandya might struggle against leg-spin, Ashwin asserted that his batting against spin has been exemplary.
Ravichandra Ashwin elaborated, stating, “Not saying that he struggles against fast bowling or anything. He has the slog sweep. He has the conventional sweep as well. In fact, I remember Hardik Pandya scored his first Test hundred at the same ground in Pallekele against Sri Lanka. He played those sweep shots in that game too. Some of them will tell you he can be dismissed if you bowl leg-spin to him. But his batting against spin has been exemplary.”
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Hardik Pandya’s cricketing journey has been marked by significant milestones. He made his debut for the Indian cricket team in 2016 and quickly rose to prominence in the limited-overs formats, excelling in One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). His Test debut followed in 2017, where he achieved the distinction of scoring his first Test century just before lunch, setting an Indian record.
Despite facing challenges such as injuries and a disappointing performance in the T20 World Cup, Pandya has continued to evolve as a cricketer. His appointment as the captain of the Gujarat Titans ahead of a new IPL season marked a significant milestone in his career, as he embraced greater responsibility and led the team to their maiden IPL title in 2022.
