Hardik Pandya
(Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

Former India skipper Sourav Ganguly has hailed Team India all-rounder Hardik Pandya after his heroics in the Twenty20 International series-decider at County Ground in Bristol, saying the latter has got the ability to become an asset for the national cricket team.

Meanwhile, Pandya bagged four wickets to disrupt England’s strong start in the third T20I. He also chipped in with an unbeaten knock of 33 runs from 14 balls to see his team through.

Besides Rohit Sharma, who scored his third T20I century in Bristol, Pandya stood solidly on the field and scored the winning runs.

Speaking in India TV, Ganguly seemed too impressed with the young cricketer from Gujarat. He also cited that Pandya brought back India in the game with a four-wicket haul.

Hardik Pandya played really well. The way he bowled, it helped India made a comeback into the game. Pandya’s four wickets restricted England otherwise they would have ended up scoring 225-230. Pandya gave 22 runs in his first over and then took four wickets in his next three overs giving only 16 runs. That brought India back into the match,” Ganguly revealed during India TV’s ‘Cricket ki Baat’ show.

Sourav Ganguly
Getty Images

However, Pandya lacks consistency which raises speculations over his selection. He also receives a fair share of criticism due to his immature batting.

Sourav Ganguly, meanwhile, backed the all-rounder admitting he can become an asset for Team India in the near future.

I think Pandya has got the ability to become a great all-rounder. He just has to keep himself focused. He has all the talent. If he gets proper guidance and keeps his mind calm, he will be an asset for India,” Ganguly concluded.

Meanwhile, India will start their campaign in the three-match ODI series from July 12 at Nottingham.

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