"No One Else Can Give What Hardik Pandya Gives To Team India"- Rohit Sharma's Best Friend

Former Team India wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik heaped praise on Hardik Pandya following the Men in Blue's victory over Australia in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semifinal match. Dinesh Karthik said that Pandya's unique ability to provide flexibility to the team is something no one else can.

India secured a spot in the final of an ICC tournament by defeating Australia by four wickets in the first semifinal at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, March 4. Chasing a target of 265, Virat Kohli anchored the innings with 84 off 98 balls. Hardik and KL Rahul also played vital knocks.

He Gives to the Indian Team What No One Else Can on That Roster - Dinesh Karthik

In a video shared by the ICC on Instagram, Dinesh Karthik said that Hardik can be used as a fast bowler with the new ball. He pointed out that Pandya’s impact goes beyond just runs and wickets, as his presence allows India to field their best possible XI.

"For Hardik Pandya, if you look at him, he gives to the Indian team what no one else can on that roster—flexibility. If you have Hardik Pandya, you can use him as a fast bowler with the new ball," Karthik said.

"You have depth in your batting because you have Jadeja coming in at number 8, and that's the beauty of Hardik Pandya. It's not the quantum of runs or wickets that he gets; it's the balance that he brings. The best team that you can put out on the park is enabled by Hardik Pandya, and that holds a lot of value," he added.

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Hardik Pandya's Contribution with Both Bat and Ball in Semifinal

Australia were bowled out for 264 runs in 49.3 overs after opting to bat first. Captain Steve Smith and Alex Carey hit half-centuries. Mohammed Shami picked up three wickets, while Varun Chakravarthy and Ravindra Jadeja took two wickets each. Hardik also chipped in with one wicket in his spell.

Hardik scored 28 off 24 balls, including three sixes and a four. The all-rounder was dismissed after lofting a catch to Glenn Maxwell at long-on when India needed just six runs off 14 balls to seal the win. Earlier, the right-handed batter scored a run-a-ball 45 against New Zealand in India's final Group A match.

Hardik Pandya to Play Crucial Role for India in Champions Trophy Final

Hardik Pandya has played 92 ODI matches for India since his debut in 2016. The 31-year-old has scored 1,858 runs at an average of 33.18 and a strike rate of 110.93, including 11 half-centuries. With the ball, he has taken 90 wickets in 86 innings at an economy rate of 5.56, with best bowling figures of 4/24.

Pandya will next be seen in action during the final match of the ongoing tournament, which is scheduled to take place in Dubai on Sunday, March 9. The second semifinal between South Africa and New Zealand will be played in Lahore on March 5 and the winner of the match will qualify for the summit clash.

Also read: Watch: Mohammed Shami drops Travis Head on first ball in CT 2025 semi-final, Rohit Sharma fumes