Pakistani journalist not happy with the comparison between Hardik Pandya with Ben Stokes

Pakistani journalist, Fazeela Saba, is not impressed with the comparison between Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya with England’s Ben Stokes. She happens to be a sports journalist working for PTV Sports, in Pakistan. Pandya is the latest Indian sensation who is improving leaps and bounds with every series in his International career. He is already the vital cog in the Indian line-up in all the three formats of the game.

Skipper Virat Kohli, in the past, had compared Pandya with the all-rounder of England, Stokes. The latter is currently one of the most talked cricketers as he has stunned everyone with his consistent performances across formats and in both the trades. Pandya is similar to him being a seam bowler and is capable of becoming the third pacer for India and also score some crucial runs at the death for the team. Virat had termed him the Indian version of Stokes.

Comparison is unjustified

Fazeela feels the comparison is unjustified as he is yet to prove himself. She took to social media to express her opinion about Hardik and termed him the upcoming cricketer with multitasking skills. Her post read, “Pandy (Pandya) undoubtedly is the upcoming multitasked player in cricket but his comparison with Ben Stokes by Indian media seems unjustified.”

Here is the tweet:

Pandy undoubtedly is the upcoming multitasked player in cricket but his comparison with Ben Stokes by Indian media seems unjustified

— Fazeela Saba (@FazeelaSaba1) September 18, 2017

However, Hardik Pandya played one of the best innings of his short career in the first ODI against Australia in Chennai. Coming in at 87/5, the aggressive all-rounder first consolidated the innings along with MS Dhoni and then launched a brutal attack on the Aussie bowlers. He hit three back-to-back gigantic sixes off the leg-spinner Adam Zampa which triggered the momentum in India’s favour.

The youngster was dismissed on 83 off just 66 deliveries which helped the Men in Blue post a more than competitive total of 281 after 50 overs. He was also a star with the ball in hand as he picked two crucial wickets of Steve Smith and Travis Head which pegged back the visitors in their shortened chase of 164 in 21 overs. Eventually, India won the match by 26 runs and Pandya was awarded the Man of the Match for his all-round performance in the game.