IND vs IRE: "A Work In Progress" - Parthiv Patel's No-Nonsense Verdict On Hardik Pandya's Captaincy

Former India National Cricket Team wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel has shared his no-nonsense verdict on Hardik Pandya’s captaincy, saying that he is still a work in progress as a leader.

Under Hardik Pandya, India faced an embarrassing T20I series defeat against West Indies National Cricket Team, which was also India’s first series defeat against the Men In Maroon in 17 years. The Hardik Pandya-led side lost the first two games before bouncing back strong in the next two matches to level the series 2-2.

However, on Sunday, India lost by 8 wickets against Rovman Powell-led West Indies in the series-deciding fifth T20I match at the Central Broward Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground, Lauderhill to face a series defeat.

Speaking on Cricbuzz, Parthiv Patel said that Hardik’s poor form with the bat is a concern for India heading into the Asia Cup 2023.

“Against Nicholas Pooran, he (Hardik Pandya) gave that over to Axar Patel and not bowling Yuzvendra Chahal. Bowling changes and the utilization of the bowlers are something that tells me that Hardik, the captain for India, is still a work in progress.

“And there is obviously a little concern about his batting. He needs runs. He didn’t get runs in the IPL, he didn’t get runs in the last couple of series as well. India would want to get some runs for Hardik Pandya in the Asia Cup or the series against Australia before the World Cup.”

Hardik played all white-ball games on the West Indies tour and registered scores of 5, 7, 70*, 19, 24, 20* and 14.

He showed his attacking mindset – Parthiv Patel on Kuldeep Yadav

Parthiv Patel further praised the left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav for his bowling brilliance throughout the West Indies tour. Also, the former wicketkeeper-batter was impressed with debutant Mukesh Kumar.

“He (Kuldeep Yadav) has been brilliant throughout this year. But in this series, he showed his attacking mindset, especially against Pooran. When he was going hammer and tongs against every bowler, he outfoxed him with an attacking mindset.

“He (Mukesh Kumar) was asked to bowl those difficult overs. It is not easy to bowl your first over in the 18th over and nail those yorkers time and again most consistently,” Patel said.