IND vs SL: "Hardik Pandya Will Be The Game-Changer At Number Six Or Seven": Farveez Maharoof

Farveez Mahroof, a former cricketer, was impressed by Hardik Pandya’s increased fitness during the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka. Hardik, who is fit and on fire, has Mahroof’s support for him to play a pivotal part in the 50-over World Cup on home soil later this year.

Host India will now play Sri Lanka in a three-match ODI series beginning on Tuesday, January 10, when the T20I series is over. KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli will all play again in this format.

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Hardik Pandya, the stand-in skipper, appeared to be having a below-par game by his standards until he picked up a couple of wickets in the match on Saturday. He had gone wicketless in the previous two games and had struggled with the bat.

In the first game of the series, despite having one more over remaining from his allotment, he forced Axar to bowl the final over, and the bowler lived up to the captain’s expectations by successfully defending 12 runs. In the second match, Pandya didn’t fulfill all of his obligations, but in the series finale, Pandya excelled.

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“Hardik Pandya workload could be managed”: Farveez Mahroof

Farveez Maharoof, a former cricketer for Sri Lanka, was quite impressed with Pandya’s level of fitness during the series. The Sri Lankan supported Pandya’s inclusion in India’s starting lineup for the next ODI World Cup 2023 and emphasized how valuable an all-rounder he would be to the team, particularly with his bowing abilities.

“Hundred percent. He will be that balance at number six or seven for India in ODIs. it’s a big year for India, hosting the World Cup. Even if India can get away with 4-5 overs from him and another all-rounder in Axar Patel can bowl ten, I reckon it will be a formidable line-up. Today we saw how he set up Nissanka with the first delivery.”

“I think Nissanka was waiting for Hardik’s genuine stock ball to go away from the right-handers. He bowled the in-swinger and that goes to show the control Pandya has with the new ball. It’s great signs going forward” Farveez Maharoof said.

“Hardik Pandya’s workload could be managed. He has to play competitive cricket, but how you get to play him is important, not to push him, and take baby steps. Come the World Cup, he will be the game-changer at number six or seven India want” Farveez Maharoof Added.