IND vs IRE: The Role Hardik Pandya's Given Will Dictate His Batting Spot & Overs - WV Raman

Former Indian cricketer WV Raman insisted that Indian all-rounder, Hardik Pandya, will be given a specific role based on which he will have to make the captaincy decisions.

Hardik has been named the captain for the 2-match Ireland series. While captaining Gujarat Titans in the IPL, he was coming at No.3 to play the role of an anchor.

However, in the Indian team, he is likely to play the role of the finisher. Additionally, it will also decide whether or not he will have a bigger role to play in the bowling attack.

“What Hardik will perhaps do in Ireland depends a lot on what he’s been told by (Rahul) Dravid. The role which he has been given will dictate his decisions about the batting spot or his overs. The decision will be based on what he is likely to do for the Indian team in near future,” Raman told Hindustan Times.

“Each one of them has its strengths” – WV Raman on Iyer and Hardik

Comparing the likes of Hardik and Venkatesh Iyer doesn’t sit right with Raman, who believes that both have different strengths. They also need to improve in different areas as well.

“Upon selecting him (Venkatesh), the selectors might have said he could be useful in bowling a couple of overs. But one would not put Venkatesh as an all-rounder on the same pedestal as Hardik, who has got a different skill-set.”

“Venkatesh has also got a different skill-set. Let’s not make comparisons between the two. Each one of them has its strengths. Each one of them has areas on which they need to focus upon. I don’t think we should make a choice here,” Raman added.

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