I really believe Pandya's bowling is going to take him a long way: Irfan Pathan

Indian all-rounder turned analyst Irfan Pathan thinks Hardik Pandya’s bowling would be key in the future while talking about the Baroda all-rounder’s emergence and rise in international cricket. He also expressed his views on the prospect of Jasprit Bumrah representing India in Tests, Irfan thinks that he didn’t want to risk him in Tests.

He further spoke about the training level these days. He mentioned how former Indian coach John Wright had a great hand in changing the attitude of Indian players towards fitness. However, he also added that failing the Yo-Yo test didn’t mean a player wasn’t fit.

Hardik Pandya’s career relies upon how well he bowls

Talking about his Baroda teammate, Irfan said that Pandya’s bowling has the real potential to take him places but at the same time, it was going to be crucial in determining his future.

“I really believe his bowling is going to take him a long way. His career depends upon how well he bowls. While he bowls the short delivery well, he needs to bowl at the right length,” he said while talking on ESPNcricinfo.

Talking about his batting, Pathan praised Pandya’s big-hitting ability. At the same time, he also stressed upon the need to play longer knocks. “He has the ability to play big shots. Over the time, I expect him to play longer innings. That’s going to be important for him in the longer run,” the veteran added.

He also praised the team management for backing Pandya’s skills.

Bumrah for Tests

The left-arm pacer wasn’t too keen on the idea of fielding Jasprit Bumrah in Tests. While he lauded his skills in the limited overs international, he thought that it was uncalled for.

“I don’t want to risk him in tests. He is someone who has conquered limited overs cricket. Today scoring 8 runs from 6 balls is easy for a batsman. But if the bowler is Bumrah, it is not. If you play him in all formats, it would be difficult for him to survive with that action for a long time period. However, if his workload can be managed and he’s considered only for the important tours, then it’s fine,” he stated.