Former India pacer RP Singh dismissed all-rounder Hardik Pandya’s stunning knock during the first T20I between India and Bangladesh, calling neither the situation nor the opponent an ideal. Chasing a mere 128 for victory, Pandya came into bat with India at 80/3 in the 8th over on October 6. He tore apart the Bangladesh attack, scoring a quickfire 16-ball 39* with five boundaries and two maximums as well.

Speaking to JioCinema (as quoted by Hindustan Times), RP Singh said, “I think using a performance against Bangladesh to judge a player’s form is not right. The way they are playing, it is not at the highest level at the moment. Hardik did well, he is capable of doing things like that. But using a performance against this team as a criterion in my opinion is not right. Do that maybe against a better team or in a better competition.”

ALSO READ: “Shubman’s captaincy is very good” – Ravi Bishnoi on Shubman Gill

RP Singh again said, “There are times when you feel free because you know that the team is close to victory and there isn’t too many runs left to score. Bangladesh did not create a situation where he had to make a match or finish it.”

However, RP Singh applauded Hardik Pandya for his bowling effort against Bangladesh, especially for finishing his four-over quota as well.
Hardik also bowled in the powerplay and at the death, finishing with the figures of 1/26 in four overs.

ALSO READ: Hardik Pandya shares happiness after winning back the love of fans

“What is good to see is that Hardik Pandya is bowling four overs. There was always a question as to whether he can bowl his full quota or not but he is doing that well now. His batting was always good, where he has improved is in his bowling and fitness. Performance solely againts Bangladesh shouldn’t have us too excited. There are a lot of real tests still to come,” RP Singh concluded.