IND vs ENG: India Always Wanted An All-Rounder Like Hardik Pandya- Danish Kaneria

Former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria lauded Hardik Pandya’s recent ODI performances against England. After hitting 100 runs and collecting six wickets in India’s first 50-over series triumph on English soil, the all-rounder was awarded Player of the Series. India won their first ODI series after 2014 in England.

Coming into the ODI leg after a successful T20I series, Pandya made a significant contribution to the squad with his all-around performance. The 28-year-old batsman and bowler contributed to India’s five-wicket victory in Manchester on Sunday (July 17).

He had a career-best 4/24 from seven overs before hitting a match-winning 71 off only 55 balls with the bat.

Hardik Pandya Is The Number One All-Rounder In The World Right Now: Danish Kaneria

Danish Kaneria stated on his YouTube channel that Hardik Pandya brings a lot to the table with his all-round ability:

“India bowled well with the new ball in the absence of [Jasprit] Bumrah, but it was Hardik Pandya’s day. India always wanted an all-rounder like this for a long, long time. They have always had a spin all-rounder, but India needed someone who could support the pace unit and batting.

Pandya did not return to the Indian team following their poor 2021 T20 World Cup campaign. The all-rounder spent the time off to restore full fitness before returning for the home series against South Africa.

Kaneria praised Pandya for his knock against England in the 3rd ODI and said:

“Hardik Pandya is the No. 1 all-rounder in the world. He played a very important role in [Rishabh] Pant’s innings, he kept talking to him throughout their partnership and gave him confidence. This is one of the best knocks in Pant’s career so far, there is no doubt about it.”

Pandya has been rested for the forthcoming three-match One-Day International (ODI) series against the West Indies. However, he has been included in the side for the upcoming five-match T20I series in the Caribbean and the United States.

Also Read: IND vs ENG: Hardik Pandya Joins Sachin Tendulkar, Yuvraj Singh And Sourav Ganguly In Elite List With All-Round Brilliance In 3rd ODI