Pandya showed lot of mental strength, says former captain Sourav Ganguly

It apparently took two wickets and a brilliant catch for Hardik Pandya to change the perception about him after the unwanted controversy. But the man had to overcome the mental stress to put things in order. The ace all-rounder returned to play for India after four months and played a complete ODI since July last year to perform decently. The player’s focus on making the opportunity count after facing a suspension because of the controversy on a TV show was lauded by the fans and former players.

Pandya took two wickets for 45 runs in 10 overs in the third ODI in Mount Maunganui to help India win the match and with it, the series. The 25-year-old all-rounder is considered one of India’s key members in their mission to reclaim the World Cup in England this summer and his absence was detrimental to the side’s balance. Pandya was set to make his comeback in the ODI series in Australia but the controversy involving him and KL Rahul saw it getting delayed by five games.

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly, who had sympathised with Pandya during his suspension, praised the latter after India won the match by 7 wickets and said the cricketer showed “great mental strength”.

Pandya adds strength to the team

“He (Pandya) showed great mental strength. With time, everything cools off and his approach to the match was also quite better. He adds to the strength of the team,” Ganguly was quoted as saying by India TV. Another former captain Sunil Gavaskar was also all praise for Pandya saying he covered all bases for India.

Pandya was replaced by all-rounder Vijay Shankar during his suspension and the latter played three games (one in Australia and two in New Zealand) and although he bowled decently, he failed to pick any wickets. Personalities like Gavaskar had also questioned what would happen to Vijay once Hardik is back since the latter is a more accomplished member of the team which he proved again on Monday.

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