IND vs SL: "Hardik Pandya Is The Backbone Of This Indian Team" - Mohammad Kaif Lauds Indian Vice-Captain

Renowned commentator Mohammad Kaif lauded star all-rounder Hardik Pandya for his contributions to India, describing him as the backbone of the national team. Mohammad Kaif emphasized Hardik Pandya’s ability to deliver for the Indian team under pressure.

Hardik Pandya scored 87 runs against Pakistan in India’s first match of the Asia Cup 2023. The right-handed batter formed a crucial 138-run partnership with wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan to rescue the team from 66/4, helping them reach a total of 266 runs.

Hardik Pandya Is A Match Winner – Mohammad Kaif

Speaking to Star Sports ahead of the Asia Cup 2023 summit clash, Mohammad Kaif highlighted Hardik Pandya‘s match-winning contributions with both bat and ball during challenging situations.

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“When India was in trouble against Pakistan, Hardik rose to the occasion and scored 87 runs and built a vital partnership with Ishan Kishan. In the second meeting against Pakistan, he got the prized wicket of Babar Azam,” Kaif told Star Sports.

“So, he is a match-winner. When the team is in trouble, Hardik bails his side out of the situation. When the top-order collapses, Hardik steps up and plays a match winning knock. In my eyes, Hardik Pandya is the backbone of this Indian team,” he added.

Hardik Pandya also made significant contributions with the ball in the continental tournament, taking three wickets at an average of 21.67 and an impressive economy rate of 3.61. He registered bowling figures of 1/17 against Pakistan and 1/14 against Sri Lanka.

Shubman Gill Is Turning To Be A Terrific Player – Mohammad Kaif

Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif praised Shubman Gill for his improved batting performance in the Asia Cup, saying that he is ‘turning out to be a terrific player’.

“When you play a multi-national tournament, it is not easy to get the runs. But Shubman Gill was there and played the shots well. He understands how to get maximums or boundaries in a spin-friendly track, how to play the new ball as well as improvise his game towards the fag end of the match. He is turning out to be a terrific player,” he concluded.

Shubman Gill scored a brilliant knock against Bangladesh in the last Super Four stage game of the ongoing tournament. The right-handed batter’s 121-run effort went in vain as they suffered a 6-run loss in a nail-biting encounter in Colombo.

Also read: ICC World Cup 2023: Eoin Morgan Believes Hardik Pandya’s Bowling Makes Team India Favourites In WC