IND vs WI: “Physically, He Is Looking Stronger” - Salman Butt On Hardik Pandya’s Stellar Return To International Cricket

Salman Butt, a former captain of Pakistan, believes that Team India all-rounder Hardik Pandya is now a more fit player after overcoming his injury and form issues. 

The Men in Blue’s unexpected elimination from the T20 World Cup in the UAE caused the 28-year-old to lose his spot on the Indian team the previous year. He had trouble with his form, and the team’s balance suffered since he wasn’t bowling regularly. 

Pandya’s fortunes changed during a remarkable IPL 2022 season. He not only helped the Gujarat Titans (GT) win the inaugural IPL season, but he also significantly improved their bat and ball performance. Since making a comeback, he has excelled for India. 

Salman Butt Hails Hardik Pandya

Butt commented on the all-stunning rounder’s comeback to the big stage on his YouTube channel. He said: 

“Hardik Pandya is somebody on whom India banks a lot. They trust in his abilities. He has come back fitter from injury. Everyone has seen his skills and he has performed really well for India over the years.  

“He had some fitness issues and a form slump. But since recovering from those problems, he has been scoring runs and taking wickets as well. Physically also, he is looking stronger.” 

When your captain and coach allow you the freedom to play your game, you naturally get confidence, according to Hardik Pandya. 

Pandya’s outstanding performance across the board during the ODIs in England earned him the title of “Player of the Series.” In three games, he amassed 100 runs and six wickets. 

Pandya was excellent with the ball earlier in the day, but he was bowled for four in the third T20I against the West Indies on Tuesday (August 2). In four overs, he took one for 19, including the important wicket of Brandon King. 

Butt praised the all-rounder for his strong stint and said: 

“In the middle overs in T20s, batting sides are looking to gain momentum and build on their platform. If you can claim a couple of wickets while giving only around 20 runs, you have done a great job.  

“In this case, 19 runs and one wicket, this was an outstanding spell (from Hardik). This is the phase during which West Indies scored only 40-odd runs in seven overs and were dented severely.” 

Hardik Pandya Crucial For Balance Of Indian Team: Salman Butt

The former captain of Pakistan stated that Pandya has proven why he is regarded as one of the top all-rounders in white-ball cricket ever since joining the Indian side again.

He concluded his remarks on the Baroda cricketer by saying: 

“India were waiting for him to come back as his inclusion improves the balance of the team. He provides a wicket-taking option in the middle and is a match-winning batter.” 

Suryakumar Yadav hit a 44-ball 76 to propel the visitors to a seven-wicket victory after Pandya played a crucial part in keeping West Indies to 164 for five in the third T20I. 

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