Hardik Pandya’s laziness, sloppiness, arrogance was unforgivable: Ian Chappell

Former Australian captain Ian Chappell alluded the ignorance made by the cricketers these days in terms of adherence towards the basic principles of the game and that too at the game’s helm. Chappell was disappointed by the recent dismissal of Hardik Pandya in the second match of the ongoing Test series between South Africa and India. The former Aussie expressed his dismay following Hardik’s dismissal that had the batsman not able to ground the bat while approaching the batting crease in order to prevent a run-out.

In his column to Hindustan Times, Chappell expressed his unhappiness in terms of players not laying emphasis on the basic essentials that certainly apply to all the sports. He meant to highlight the importance of basics if not trying to make improvisations in an individual’s game.

“I’m not talking about coaches developing new techniques to enhance the power-hitting required in the modern game; or the tactics devised to curb the flood of runs caused by the increased boundary flow; I’m talking about simple, basic principles of the game.”

Basics to be taught at the ground level

Chappell was quick to lash out at the approach of the players in the modern time where the ignorance of the needful does lead to their peril at inappropriate times.”Pandya’s laziness; sloppiness; arrogance; call it whatever you want, it was unforgivable.” Ian, in his exclusive writing for the Hindustan Times, clearly made the difference in the No. of coaches that are available these days in helping a youngster improve his basics at the ground level. “Always ground your bat when running between wickets,” it should have been one of the first things Pandya was told by a coach.”

The 74-year old was even shattered by the dismissal of South African U-19 opener Jiveshan Pillay, who was adjudged out, obstructing the field. Chappell was of the view that meant no physical contact with the cricket ball while batting. “It’s like being Mankaded; if you back up properly it won’t happen. If you don’t touch the cricket ball when batting you won’t be out obstructing the field.”