Former Pakistani cricketers Waqar Younis and Wasim Akram heaped rich praise on Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya for his performance with the bat against Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2022. They were left amazed by his cool and composed approach under pressure and felt that he will become the next Indian captain.
“Won’t be surprised if he is the next Indian captain.” Waqar Younis on Hardik Pandya
While it was Virat Kohli who hogged the headlines for his match-winning innings, Hardik Pandya was also a little light at the end of a long tunnel for Team India. Not only with the ball, but he played a crucial role with the ball as well as he turned supported Kohli well and stitched a crucial partnership with him.
Hardik first bowled a sensational spell with the ball as he dented Pakistan’s chances of posting a big total. He removed Shadab Khan, Haider Ali and Mohammad Nawaz to return with the figures of 3/30 in his quota of 4 overs.
If this was not enough, he then played great innings with the bat as well. Pandya came to bat when India was tumbling at 31/4. He along with Kohli steadied the innings and soaked in all the pressure. After being watchful for a while, he then shifted the momentum towards his side after smashing Mohammad Nawaz for 20 overs in the middle over.
Beautiful Instagram story by Hardik Pandya. pic.twitter.com/uxMjKDp2OM
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 26, 2022
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Pandya took the game deep and revived the hope of Indian fans. Although he perished in the last over, he set the platform for Virat Kohli, who batted exceptionally well for his unbeaten 82 runs and sealed the game for his side. The all-rounder ended with a score of 40 runs that included 1 four and 2 sixes.
Hardik’s ability to come out good under pressure has been lauded by many including Waqar Younis, who said that he can be the next Indian captain. Speaking to ASports, he said:
“I won’t be surprised if he is the next Indian captain.”
Wasim Akram amazed by Hardik Pandya
Wasim Akram also joined Younis in praising Pandya and said: “Pehle woh IPL main captain bana, waha jeeta. Abhi woh team main ek main force hai, woh captain ko advice deta hai, ek calm influence hai, and he is learning. Ekdum se agar deep end main daal do toh usko samjh hi nehi ayegi.”
Hardik Pandya is expected to play a big role for India in the World Cup. He will be next seen in action when India will lock horns against the Netherlands on Thursday (27th October).
Hardik Pandya moves to number 3 in the ICC T20 all-rounders ranking.
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 26, 2022
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