Former India coach and analyst Sanjay Bangar has underlined the unique value Hardik Pandya brings to India’s T20 and ODI setups, emphasising that the all-rounder is irreplaceable due to his ability to secure a spot as either a specialist batsman or bowler. Pandya, who has been sidelined for over two months with a quadriceps injury sustained during the Asia Cup, is set to return in the five-match ODI series against South Africa, starting Tuesday in Cuttack.

“Consider all the all-rounders in world cricket. Does England have a backup for Ben Stokes? No. Similarly, there is no backup for Ravindra Jadeja in one-day or Test cricket. The same goes for Hardik Pandya,” Sanjay Bangar explained.

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He highlighted Pandya’s versatility: “Pandya can earn a spot in the top five purely as a batsman. He could also be among the top three seamers in any team if he were just a bowler. To be that kind of all-rounder, you must secure your place with both batting and bowling. There is no player like Hardik Pandya in the Indian team.”

Bangar stressed the importance of workload management for the all-rounder, suggesting that Pandya should feature in at least the first three ODIs to gauge his recovery before ramping up intensity ahead of the T20 World Cup.

“It’s premature to decide if he should play six or seven T20Is before the World Cup. Playing in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy is different from international intensity. The team management must manage workloads carefully. A fit Hardik allows the team to play its preferred combination, especially with the spin options available. His presence is critically vital.”

Prior to his return, Pandya scored an unbeaten 77 off 42 balls for Baroda in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and took 1/52 in his four overs, showing readiness for international cricket.

Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill is also returning after a neck spasm ruled him out for nearly a month. Bangar believes Gill’s leadership experience in Tests will positively influence his performance in limited-overs cricket: “The confidence Shubman has gained from Test captaincy will help him. Beyond skills, his mindset has evolved. At the top of the order, Gill can excel in T20Is, while Hardik can provide balance in the middle order.”

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Bangar also suggested that Sanju Samson may struggle to secure a spot in the current T20 side. “Samson’s best position remains at the top. With Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, and Hardik Pandya available, there may not be space for him at four, five, or six. Jitesh Sharma has shown he can bat lower down and hit big shots with an older ball. I think Jitesh will now get the number seven spot.”

Pandya’s return, along with Gill’s, provides India with critical balance and depth, reinforcing the team’s preparations for both the ongoing ODI series and the 2026 T20 World Cup.