Kapil Dev feels that Hardik Pandya has to work hard on his batting

Hardik Pandya has emerged as a bright prospect for Indian cricket. The Baroda cricketer is a powerful striker of the cricket ball as he has shown ever since he forayed into international cricket. He is also a handy medium pacer who can hurry batsmen with his innocuous line and lengths. However, the all-rounder hasn’t had much to cheer lately during India’s tour of South Africa.

Virat Kohli’s men have emerged victorious, however, Pandya has struggled to get going, especially with the willow. He started the tour with a swashbuckling knock in the opening Test, but his campaign went downhill thereafter as the Proteas bowlers figured his weaknesses out. Kapil Dev recently spoke to the media and emphasized that Pandya has to pull up his socks in order to emerge as a genuine all-rounder.

Tough road ahead for Pandya

“He (Pandya) has shown glimpses. He has talent and ability. Comparing with anyone will put more pressure on him. I would like to see him go and express himself, enjoy himself. If he can perform a little more with the bat, the bowling will come easily to him and that’s what happens to all-rounders. But he has to work harder to achieve success as an all-rounder.” Kapil Dev was quoted as saying in an exclusive interview on the sidelines of the Laureus World Sports Award.

The former all-rounder also talked about Pandya’s role in the lineup. “I would like to see him in the team for one reason, definitely either as a bowler or a batsman. He has to work little harder on his batting because he is a batsman all-rounder. If he can perform a little more with the bat, the bowling will come easily to him and that’s what happens to all-rounders.” he added.

Pandya’s next assignment will be during the Nidahas Trophy where India will lock horns with Sri Lanka and Bangladesh for the triangular T20 series. After a pretty lackluster campaign in South Africa, Pandya would be hoping to find his form back.