'XYZ can say whatever they want' - Ravi Shastri responds to Sunil Gavaskar's 'Hardik can do what Ravi Shastri did in 1985' comment

Ever since Hardik Pandya made his return to the Indian team, he has been a consistent match winner. Be it with the bowl or with the bat, Hardik has given many memorable performances to help the Indian team win some crucial matches. His impactful performance against Pakistan in the Asia Cup saw India start with a magnificent win over their arch-rivals. Even though he couldn’t capitalise on his start to the tournament, Hardik still is considered one of the best all-rounders of modern times.

Sunil Gavaskar, the former India international is very happy to see Hardik do well for India in the shortest format of the game. Speaking about him, the 73-year-old believes that Hardik can be India’s match-winner in the upcoming T20 World Cup and play like the way Ravi Shastri played in the 1985 World Series, which India won under the able leadership of Gavaskar.

“I think he could possibly do what Ravi Shastri did in 1985 where Ravi was the outstanding performer with both bat and ball in the entire tournament. Some good catches as well. Hardik Pandya is capable of doing that,” said Gavaskar in an interview with Sports Tak.

Ravi Shastri was quick enough to respond to that as the former India head coach doesn’t want to think about anyone else’s comments as he clearly mentioned that Hardik to him is the best all-rounder of T20 cricket.

“I have already tweeted and posted on Instagram that he is the No. 1 all-rounder in this format of the game. What else do you need? I had said it two weeks back. What else is there to add or subtract? XYZ can say whatever they want, everyone is entitled to his opinion. My view is clear, which is what I tweeted a couple of weeks ago,” said the 60-year-old to Sports Tak.

Don't be surprised, T20 cricket can evolve: Shastri on the rule of substitutes in T20 cricket

Ever since the news broke of BCCI introducing a new rule in their domestic T20 league, a lot of reactions have come up. It’s been a mixed reaction thus far but Ravi Shastri is clear about what this will do to T20 cricket. He believes that the domestic leagues can try a lot of new rules in T20 cricket as they can afford to try multiple experiments in this format.

“I see this game evolving all the time. Who knows tomorrow it might be something that's used even at the international level. Don't be surprised because this is one format that can evolve, especially in tournaments like these where you are not bound by certain rules. You can create your own rules in tournaments like these or even in the IPL, or Big Bash. If you want to experiment or try something new, this is the place to do it,” said Shastri.