Former Pakistan Coach On Hardik Pandya’s Impact: “Like India plays with 12 players”

Mickey Arthur, who has coached teams like as Australia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan, saw parallels between Hardik Pandya of India and Jacques Kallis of South Africa. According to Arthur, Hardik’s present form with the bat and ball makes it appear as though “India plays with 12 players.” Arthur also weighed in, saying that Hardik is “blossoming into a really excellent cricketer.

Hardik Pandya’s all-round performance enabled India win their first Asia Cup game against arch-rivals Pakistan on Sunday. Hardik was relentless as his winning six put Team India over the line in an exciting match, going from plundering three wickets to hammering 33 runs off 17 balls. The all-rounder has received accolades from all around the world for his outstanding performance.

The comeback is greater than the setback 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/KlnD4GZ4ZO

— hardik pandya (@hardikpandya7) August 29, 2022

When stable, Hardik can assume the responsibilities of a real seamer, as well as bat in the top five, according to Arthur. Notably, Kallis, regarded as one of the best all-rounders in the game’s history, batted at No.3 in all forms for the most of his career, and with the ball, he was an excellent balance to South Africa’s frontline quicks.

“He is a wonderful player. It is almost like India play with 12 players. It takes me back when I was with South Africa and we had Jacques Kallis. You have got a guy that can genuinely be one of your four seamers and can bat in Top 5. It is almost like playing with an extra player. I have seen Hardik mature and mature,” Mickey Arthur told reporters.

“Leadership around the last IPL was outstanding, he managed his team really well. He played the pressure situations really well for his team. I think he is blossoming into a very fine cricketer,” he also stated.

Hardik credits his excellent recovery to former Indian team physio Nitin Patel, who is now the Director of BCCI Sports Science, and current strength and conditioning trainer Soham Desai.

“That journey was very beautiful, we get the fruits of the journey but behind the scenes whoever has worked with me never get credit. So, I always believe in giving credit to the person who deserves it. Nitin Patel, Soham Desai, I will give credit to them for whatever comeback I have made,” the all-rounder remarked.

Hardik had commented about the challenges given by the Babar Azam-led Pakistan in the game following the triumph over the arch-rivals in the Asia Cup 2022.

“First of all, very happy to get this win because it was very important for us. Our nerves were checked, as a team we were kind of challenged as well but loved the way he (Jadeja) came out and played as well. Jaddu and I have been playing together for 7-8 years,” Hardik said on the BCCI’s Official website.

“The Indian team is known for Top 3, very grateful that we are also getting the opportunities now and we are able to do the job. Our process is to play the World Cup and get the maximum opportunities. So going ahead, if the similar situation presents itself, we will remember this game.”