Hardik Pandya called irreplaceable player in Team India by ex-coach ahead of South Africa T20Is

Former Team India batting coach Sanjay Bangar showered praise on all-rounder Hardik Pandya ahead of the five-match T20I series against South Africa. The former cricketer said that Pandya is irreplaceable in the white-ball formats, as he is good enough to play either as a specialist batter or as a frontline fast bowler.

Pandya returned to the team after recovering from a left quadricep injury. He missed the Asia Cup 2025 final clash against Pakistan, the Australia tour, and the ODI series against South Africa. The all-rounder is ready to take his place in the playing XI in the upcoming T20I series against the Aiden Markram-led team.

No Other Player Like Hardik Pandya In The Indian Team - Sanjay Bangar

Sanjay Bangar described Hardik Pandya as a one-of-a-kind cricketer. Bangar compared Pandya to Ben Stokes for England and Ravindra Jadeja for India. He added that Pandya could walk into the top five on the strength of his batting alone, while his bowling is good enough to place him among the top seamers.

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“There is no other player like Hardik Pandya in the Indian team,” Bangar declared on JioStar ahead of India's home series against South Africa.

“Does England have a back-up for Ben Stokes? No. In one-day or even Test cricket, there is no back-up for Ravindra Jadeja. It is the same with Hardik Pandya,” he added.

“He can command a spot in the top five on his batting alone. He could also be one of the top three seamers in any team if he was just a bowler. To be that kind of all-rounder, you must earn your place with your batting and also with your bowling.”

Hardik Pandya Allows The Team To Play Its Desired Combination - Sanjay Bangar

Hardik Pandya scored 77 off 42 balls for Baroda in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and backed it up by delivering a full four-over spell, showing that he was close to full fitness again.

Sanjay Bangar said that Pandya’s return brings a balance India often struggles to achieve. With Hardik available, India can field their preferred spin lineup without worrying about weakening the batting.

“A fit Hardik Pandya allows the team to play its desired combination, especially with the spin options we have. That's why his presence is critically very vital,” Bangar continued.

“We need to see how he copes. Playing SMAT is different from international intensity. If needed, we must manage his workload, but he should at least play the first three matches.”

More Than His Skill, His Mindset Has Grown - Sanjay Bangar On Shubman Gill

Shubman Gill is also set to rejoin the squad after recovering from a neck spasm. Sanjay Bangar said that Gill’s experience of leading India in Tests has strengthened his temperament. Bangar also discussed the competition for middle-order spots and added that Sanju Samson could find it difficult to break in.

“More than his skill, his mindset has grown. Taking extra responsibility as a Test captain makes him a far more rounded player,” Bangar said.

“With players like Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube or Hardik Pandya available, there may not be a place for him at four, five or six. Jitesh Sharma has shown he can bat lower down and hit with an older ball. I think Jitesh will now get the number seven spot.”

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