IND vs PAK: Hardik Pandya Should Be Able To Manage Shadab Khan - Sanjay Manrekar

Cricketer-turned-commentator Sanjay Manjrekar said Hardik Pandya is playing in his dream run at the moment.

Hardik was part of the Indian team that lost to Pakistan in the T20 World Cup 2021. He purely played as a batter in that match as he was struggling with fitness.

Hardik Pandya’s terrific run a key factor for India against Pakistan

The all-rounder was out of action for the Indian team after their embarrassing exit from the group stage. He only returned to action in IPL 2022 as the captain of Gujarat Titans and inspired them to their maiden title with sheer all-round performance.

Hardik earned his India place back by dint of IPL 2022 excellence. Since then he has been unstoppable within all spheres of the game

Hardik scored his maiden T20I fifty apart from registering his career-best figures in the format – 4 for 33- in the first T20I against England in Southampton.

“Hardik Pandya has a pretty good record against Pakistan. If you remember the 2019 World Cup as well, he was the one who got runs in that match against Pakistan. Hardik Pandya, at the moment, is batting like a dream,” Manjrekar said on Sports18.

Hardik Pandya should be able to manage Shadab Khan: Sanjay Manjrekar

Hardik Pandya had a great time toying with the Pakistan spinners Imad Wasim and Shadab Khan in the 2017 Champions Trophy in England. In the final, the Indian batter rained sixes at the Oval, although India was far away from the chase.

Shadab bowled brilliantly against India in the mega event last year, conceding 22 runs from four overs and claimed the wicket of Rishabh Pant.

“His (Pandya’s) prowess against pace and spin is there for everyone to see. Shadab Khan is a pretty competitive bowler. He is not the traditional wrist-spinner that you get; he doesn’t turn the ball massively but has the guiles that you need in T20 cricket,” Manjrekar said.

“He (Shadab) is also now more experienced than he was three-four years back. But Hardik at the moment, as I said, is at the top of his game. So Shadab Khan – despite being a pretty good bowler – Hardik Pandya should be able to manage him,” he added.

India and Pakistan are joined by Hong Kong in the Group A of Asia Cup 2022, the top two teams with the most points will qualify for the Super 4 stage.

Also Read: India vs Pakistan: Do Not Rule Out Hardik Pandya Making An Impression – Reetinder Singh Sodhi Ahead Of India-Pakistan Encounter