IND vs ENG: Ashish Nehra Believes Hardik Pandya Can Make The Team Solely As A Batter

The IPL champion Gujarat Titans’ member Ashish Nehra, who collaborated closely with Hardik Pandya during their inaugural season, believes that Hardik Pandya can make the team solely as a batter.

Since making a comeback to international cricket, the all-rounder’s performance has impressed the Titans’ head coach.

To what extent Pandya can bowl his complete allotment of overs in the 50-over format is something the former India left-arm bowler will not guess.

“Since you can plan, but things do not always go as you expect, even Hardik will not be able to provide an answer. The good news is that everything is going well so far. Hardik can compete only as a batter for any white ball squad. And if he bowls, that is an added benefit. In T20 or 50 overs, you cannot continue to use him as your fifth bowler. He can only be your sixth bowler” Ashish Nehra, who is on the Sony Sports commentary panel, said during an interaction on Wednesday.

“But given his physical condition, you have to gradually increase it. It is better in a way that he will not be playing ODIs in the West Indies. You have no other option if you are a pure fast bowler. You must be in shape, you must bowl. But with Hardik, that is not the case. Over the past two to three months, he has been doing well.”

Ashish Nehra talks about Virat Kohli’s Recent Form:

Ashish Nehra backed Virat Kohli saying he deserves extra chances based on his past reputation and that he should stay away from “outside voices”.

He also felt that a monthlong break from the West Indies tour before the Asia Cup would rejuvenate Kohli.

“There will be discussions even if you’re not a player of Kohli’s calibre. When you are playing, you try to focus on your game and not listen to so-called outside voices. It’s important how your teammates, management, and selectors are backing you but we are talking about a guy like Virat,” said Ashish Nehra.

India leads the three-match One-Day International series 1-0, and a win in the second ODI will secure the series for the Rohit Sharma-led side.

Also Read: IND vs ENG: Virat Kohli Needs To Spend More Time On The Wicket To Score Big Runs – Pravin Amre