Cricketer-turned-commentator Sanjay Manjrekar believes that Hardik Pandya’s ability to be a long-term candidate for India’s white-ball leadership would depend on his dedication to domestic cricket and modifications to the BCCI’s selection committee. Before Ajit Agarkar, the chairman of the selection committee, and Gautam Gambhir, the recently hired head coach, chose Suryakumar Yadav to captain the national side in the shortest format, Pandya captained India in 16 Twenty20 Internationals. “With new leadership in the BCCI or the selection committee, Indian cricket’s dynamics might shift. Everybody takes a different approach. It will be crucial for Pandya to demonstrate his readiness to play regularly.
“If he starts playing first-class cricket, it will strengthen his case,” Manjrekar was reported as saying on Star Sports’ “Deep Point” show.
He recalled Pandya’s crucial efforts during the 2019 World Cup in England and emphasized his record in ICC competitions.
“Pandya has consistently performed well in ICC competitions. Hardik was India’s preferred bowler on those wickets during the 2019 World Cup, but not many people recall it,” Manjrekar said.
But he also emphasized how important Pandya’s conditioning will be in deciding how effective he is throughout a 50-over competition.
“Especially in the middle overs, you must run a lot. The physical demands of ODIs are far higher than those in T20, particularly for an all-rounder who bowls seven to ten overs and bats at number five or six. Being physically healthy is essential,” Manjrekar continued.
However, Pandya can recreate Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s role as a finisher in the Indian ODI setup, according to former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar.
In 86 ODIs, India’s top all-rounder in white-ball cricket has amassed 1769 runs at an incredible strike rate of 110+ and claimed 84 wickets.
Since Dhoni last filled that capacity before to the 2019 World Cup, India has tried a number of people.
“Pandya has come the closest to emulating MS Dhoni’s finishing role in 50-over contests. “Dhoni’s influence is most evident on Pandya, who used to take games seriously,” Bangar stated.
“He has won games when they went to the 49th or 50th over. However, if the team is having trouble at 30-4, he can salvage an innings. It’s incredible how well he can adjust to different circumstances,” he said.
“It takes a person with a big heart to face everything with a smile,” Bangar said, praising Pandya’s poise and maturity amid the shift. It was admirable how politely he handed the captaincy on to Suryakumar.
“Deep down, every cricketer aspires to grow, and I believe Pandya will hope for another chance to captain the Indian team.”
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