Sourav Ganguly feels Hardik Pandya can be a great asset for the Indian team

India all-rounder Hardik Pandya shut several critics with his all-round performances in India’s series-winning victory in the third T20I in Bristol. While he claimed four crucial wickets with his seam bowling, he also chipped in a 14-ball 33 with the bat to help India win the series 2-1. Praises for the 24-year-old followed and former India captain Sourav Ganguly has joined the bandwagon.

The youngster from Baroda has impressed in quite a few games, like the India vs Pakistan Champions Trophy final, or on his Test debut against Sri Lanka, but he lacks consistency. He has often been criticised for batting immaturely but sometimes, he is also compared to other legendary all-rounders from India and abroad.

Speaking about Hardik’s most recent performance, Ganguly told India TV, “Hardik Pandya played really well. Whatever two or three wickets that England got, those were due to their fielding and not bowling… because of the catches they took.”

“I think Pandya has got the ability to become a great all-rounder. He just has to keep himself focused. He has all the talent. If he gets proper guidance and keeps his mind calm, he will be an asset for India,” the prince of Kolkata added.

While India wrapped up the T20I series 2-1, which was also their first ever bilateral series win against England in the latter’s backyard, ODI is a different ball game and England recently trounced Australia in the series 5-0.

India will look to regain their no. 1 spot in ODIs

If India whitewash England in the series, they will regain their top spot on ICC ODI rankings. Shikhar Dhawan’s batting is a bit of a concern, as he didn’t look in good form in the T20I series. Meanwhile, both Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal have been firing on all cylinders. England’s batting is great but their bowling lacks strength.

The 3-match ODI series will be followed by a Test series which will begin on August 1. The squad for the same is yet to be named.

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