IND vs NZ: "If I've Seen Someone Who Wants Those Big Games After Virat Kohli, I Think It's Hardik Pandya"- Dinesh Karthik

Dinesh Karthik, the wicketkeeper-batsman for the India National Cricket Team, praised star all-rounder Hardik Pandya, stating the 29-year-old loves to take on difficult challenges and, like Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah, thrives in high-stress circumstances.

The India National Cricket Team, captained by Hardik Pandya, was defeated by the New Zealand National Cricket Team by 21 runs in the opening Twenty20 International of the three-match series on Friday, January 27, at Ranchi’s JSCA International Stadium Complex.

IPL 2023 | New Zealand tour of India 2023 | Dream11 Prediction | Fantasy Cricket Tips | Cricket Match Prediction Today | Cricket News | Cricket Live Score | Australia tour of India 2023

Even though Team India’s T20I series against New Zealand got off to a bad start, seasoned players continue to compliment Hardik Pandya for his leadership. On Sunday in Lucknow, the team under his direction will take on the Black Caps in the second game of the series in an effort to avenge their loss.

Over the past year, Pandya has demonstrated his abilities as a strong leader. It was clear that India had unearthed a potential captain in the all-rounder after he led Gujarat Titans to their first IPL championship in their first season. When the star players were either resting or engaged in Test cricket, he then led the team with success on international trips. He led a young team to a 2-1 victory last month.

IPL 2023 | India National Cricket Team | IND vs NZ 2023 | India vs New Zealand 2023 | IND vs AUS 2023 | India vs Australia 2023

“Hardik Pandya is somebody who wants to fill in those holes”: Dinesh Karthik

Veteran Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik lavished huge praise on the all-rounder following the conclusion of the Ranchi match, in which India lost by 21 runs. Karthik claimed that if there is anyone after Virat Kohli who is eager to take difficult assignments as a challenge, it is Hardik Pandya.

“I believe taking on difficult tasks comes naturally to him. From what I’ve observed, he lives for big games. If I’ve seen someone who wants those huge games after Virat Kohli, I believe it’s Hardik Pandya” Dinesh Karthik said.

“I believe you’ll have to include Jasprit Bumrah on that list as well, but among batters, I’d say Hardik Pandya thrives on the big stage. “That’s why you won’t see him getting too worked up over his batting consistency,” Karthik told Cricbuzz.

“When it comes to bowling, he is somebody who wants to fill in those holes. He will come up with slower overs if it is the middle overs. If it’s with the new ball, we saw him bowl pretty well with the ball in the Indore ODI,” Dinesh Karthik added.

In order to save the team in the pursuit of 177, Hardik and Suryakumar Yadav shared a 62-run partnership for the fourth wicket. He could only produce 21 off 20 balls before Michael Bracewell dismissed him.

Also Read: IND vs AUS: Sourav Ganguly Discusses Rohit Sharma And His Teammates’ Chances In The ICC Cricket World Cup 2023

Virat Kohli | Rohit Sharma | Rishabh Pant | KL Rahul | Suryakumar Yadav | Sanju Samson | Shreyas Iyer | Yuzvendra Chahal | Jasprit Bumrah