Parthiv Patel
Parthiv Patel (Image Credit: Twitter)

Former Indian Batsman Parthiv Patel is looking forward to seeing what all-rounder Hardik Pandya draws to Team India on his return to form. The 28-year-old last played for the Men in Blue during the T20 World Cup in 2021.

Pandya skipped almost the entire following home season to recover fully and concentrate on his bowling. He returned from the break with a bang in the IPL, taking eight wickets at an economy rate of 7.28.

Hardik Pandya
Hardik Pandya. (Photo: IPL)

Parthiv Patel told Cricbuzz that he was curious to see what responsibility Team India would consider giving Pandya given his excellence in batting higher in the batting lineup. He said:

“It will be fascinating to see if, as he bats at No. 4 for the Titans, he will bat at No. 4 for India, or will he perform the finisher’s role?”

Hardik Pandya. Photo-IPL
Hardik Pandya. Photo-IPL

Patel also discussed whether Hardik would’ve been recognized to be the fifth bowler upon his remarkable IPL 2022 showings. He added:

“He bowled well enough in the final of the IPL 2022 and yet did not always finish his four overs. So, if he is fit enough just to bowl four overs, this Indian team would play with an extremely separate control.”

Hardik Pandya also scored 487 runs for the Gujarat Titans (GT) batting at No. 4 in the IPL 2022.

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‘I’m very excited about Hardik Pandya’s return‘: Parthiv Patel

Parthiv Patel believes the all-rounder helps give the Men in Blue a wholly distinct sort of balance.

Hardik Pandya
Hardik Pandya (Image Credit: Twitter)

He stated: “Hardik Pandya’s return has piqued my interest. He was outstanding for the Gujarat Titans. Because he is an all-rounder, he creates a fresh type of stability for the Indian team.”

With KL Rahul ruled out, Pandya has been named as Rishabh Pant’s replacement in the five-match T20I series against South Africa, which begins tonight.

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