“Amuses Me He’s Termed As All-Rounder From…”: Ex-Pakistan Coach’s Straight Talk On Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya’s significance in Indian cricket is immense. As a top fast-bowling all-rounder, Pandya represents a rare breed in the sport within the country. His presence in the XI provides great balance, as seen in the T20 World Cup, where Pandya bowled two crucial late overs in the final against South Africa, helping India edge past their rivals. Additionally, he is a handy batter. However, he is not the captain or vice-captain for the Sri Lanka T20I series due to fitness concerns.

Former Pakistan coach Dav What more, who has also coached Indian domestic sides Kerala and Baroda, shared his thoughts on Pandya. Speaking about the Indian domestic circuit, What more remarked, “The health of the national team is a reflection of the health of the domestic setup. In India, there are many teams that participate in the four groups. I have worked in India for several years. The three formats that are participating are great. Then you add the IPL. That’s the secret of Indian cricket,” he said on Pak Passion.

What more continued, “There are still some individuals who don’t play white-ball cricket. For example, in my last few years in Baroda, Hardik Pandya wouldn’t ever play white-ball cricket. It always amuses me that he’s termed as the all-rounder from Baroda, but he hasn’t played for Baroda for years! So, yes, there are some who don’t do that. But I can also see that recently the BCCI is keen on players participating in the Ranji Trophy and other tournaments.”