Rahul Dravid
Rahul Dravid (Image Credit: Twitter)

In the five-match T20I series against South Africa, which begins on June 9 in Delhi, Team India head coach Rahul Dravid has stated that they are seeking to get the most out of Hardik Pandya’s multi-dimensional skills.

After a long absence, the 28-year-old has returned to the Indian team. Last year, he competed in the ICC T20 World Cup, although he struggled with his fitness. The great all-rounder took a break from cricket to improve his condition before making a triumphant comeback in the just-completed Indian Premier League.

Hardik Pandya
Hardik Pandya. (Photo: IPL)

Hardik Pandya’s Captaincy Was Impressive In The IPL: Rahul Dravid

Hardik guided Gujarat Titans (GT) to the elusive IPL 2022 title, paving the route for his return to the Indian national side.

Rahul Dravid praised Hardik Pandya’s leadership abilities in a news conference before the series opener on Tuesday. According to the 49-year-old, “Hardik’s leadership was impressive right through the IPL. You need to be designated leader to be part of the leadership group. From our perspective, we would want to get the best out of his skills, batting bowling and fielding.”

Chetan Sharma on Hardik Pandya
Photo Credit: (ICC)

In IPL 2022, the Baroda all-rounder scored 487 runs at an average of 44.27 in 15 matches, including four half-centuries. In the competition, he also took eight wickets, including a three-wicket haul in the final that demolished the Rajasthan Royals’ batting line-up.

With the T20 World Cup set to take place in Australia later this year, Hardik will be hoping to keep the momentum continuing on his comeback to international cricket.

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It is well recognised that having an all-rounder in the lineup gives a team an advantage over their opponents. Especially if it’s a player of Hardik Pandya’s calibre. With Pandya bowling at full throttle, skipper KL Rahul will have an extra bowling option if a frontline seamer gets hammered early in the game.

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