India vs New Zealand 2019: Hardik Pandya Showed Great Mental Strength - Sourav Ganguly

Updated - 29 Jan 2019, 12:27 PM

Hardik Pandya, Sourav Ganguly
Hardik Pandya (Photo credit - MICHAEL BRADLEY/AFP/Getty Images)

The all-rounder of India, Hardik Pandya has gone through a lot in recent times. He has been under the pump for his sexist remarks in a Television talk show. However, after missing few games due to the suspension, he made a strong comeback into the side with an exceptional effort. Meanwhile, the former skipper Sourav Ganguly lauds the youngster’s mental strength.

Initially, in the 3rd ODI, the flamboyant all-rounder took a stunning catch when Yuzvendra Chahal tossed the ball up to Kane Williamson and the batsman, who was looking to shift gears, flicked it towards the short mid-wicket area. Out of nowhere, Pandya dived full length to his left and completed a screamer.

Hardik Pandya, India vs New Zealand 2019
Hardik Pandya was brilliant at Bay Oval. (Credits – Getty)

Then, he followed it up beautifully to send Henry Nicholls and Mitchell Santner back to the hut with his bowling. The wickets of the duo had made a major impact on the game, as it certainly thrashed the hopes of Kiwis reaching 300 on the board.

Hardik Pandya adds strength to the team – Sourav Ganguly

On IndiaTV’s show Cricket Ki Baat, Ganguly quoted that it was a great mental strength at the display by Hardik Pandya. He believes that the time will heal everything for the youngster. Sourav Ganguly also complimented the youngster for his better approach to the game at Bay Oval.

Sourav Ganguly, India vs New Zealand 2019
Sourav Ganguly (Credits – Getty)

“He (Pandya) showed great mental strength. With time, everything cools off and his approach to the match was also quite better. He adds to the strength of the team,” said Ganguly.

Virat Kohli Needs Rest:

Further, Sourav Ganguly felt that the Indian skipper Virat Kohli deserves to get rest for his continuous cricket across the formats. Besides his batting, Virat Kohli should also involve in various other aspects being the skipper of the side.

India vs New Zealand 2019, Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli Image Courtesy: Getty

“He needs the rest. Virat plays all three formats and with his back giving trouble in between, it was a good decision to rest him, especially with Australia touring India, followed by the IPL and the World Cup,” Ganguly concluded.

Well, it has been a great comeback for Hardik Pandya after a horrible last few days. Meanwhile, it would be interesting to see whether he continues the same in the next couple of games or not.

Tagged:

Hardik Pandya Sourav Ganguly Virat Kohli