News
Zaheer Khan opens up on Hardik Pandya’s ideal batting position
By SMCS - Jun 19, 2022 10:00 am
Views 62

Former Indian pace bowler Zaheer Khan has said that Hardik Pandya’s ideal batting position will be at number four. Khan also added that Pandya knows what the team requires and how he should mould his game that way too. However, Hardik has been in fine form this year and led Gujarat Titans to the IPL title in their maiden season in the competition. He carried that form to the ongoing T20I series against South Africa also and was appointed India’s captain for the tour of Ireland as well.

Hardik Pandya
Hardik Pandya smashed sixes

While speaking about Hardik Pandya to Cricbuzz, Khan has said that his ideal batting position will be at number four and he is currently enjoying that position after his exploits in this year’s IPL. Zaheer Khan also said that the all-rounder doesn’t look like he is in rush with his batting and that’s what makes him enjoy his game.

ALSO READ: Gary Kirsten applauds Hardik Pandya, calls him ‘Incredibly humble’

“He would like to be number four ideally. He does understand what the team requires and how he should mold his game. If you lose early wickets, at number five.that’s the situation he thrives upon. Since this IPL, it is very visible that he is enjoying such a challenge. He is not looking rushed. So that’s the beauty of his batting at the moment. And that’s the part I am enjoying. As a batter, if you feel that ‘I am in control and I can change the gears any time I require’, that’s when you get that confidence,” said Zaheer Khan.

Hardik Pandya
Hardik Pandya played a fiery knock

ALSO READ: “I’ve always enjoyed his company no matter what” – Hardik Pandya on Ashish Nehra

“When you lose early wickets as a team, you need a temperament like that. Someone who is assured of his ability, but also absorbs pressure which means slowing down. So, if he can maintain this form and bowl, then that’s the best thing for maintaining team’s balance. So. Rahul Dravid will be very happy and the Indian team management will be very happy,” Zaheer Khan concluded. “The balance they look to achieve becomes very easy to achieve when he (Pandya) is in this kind of form.”