Want to see Hardik Pandya with the new ball, he can be the game-changer for India: Sunil Gavaskar

Former Indian batting great Sunil Gavaskar has praised Hardik Pandya for his new role in team India and pointed out that the player’s inclusion will balance other areas within the squad.

India lost their opening T20I match against South Africa by seven wickets at the Arun Jaitely Stadium in Delhi. The home side put up a big total of 211 runs while batting first but bowlers struggled to defend and drew criticism from the fans and former players.

Pandya returned to international cricket and bowled only one over and gave away 18 runs, after being hit for three sixes from Dwaine Pretorius. Pandya played a finishing role for India with an unbeaten 31 runs off just 12 balls. He also came under criticism for denying a single to Dinesh Karthik in the last over.

“I think he is going to be the game-changer for India, more often than not, in all the matches that are due to come, not just the World Cup but every single match that India plays, whether he bats at No. 5, whether he comes into a bowl at first change or second change. Sometimes I will actually want to see him with the new ball,” Gavaskar said on Star Sports.

Hardik Pandya is key to the balance of India’s team: Graeme Swann

Pandya played in the number five position, which gave India to field three key pacers and two spinners in their starting eleven in the first match. India started with three pacers in Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Harshal Patel and Avesh Khan, while and two spinners, Yuzvendra Chahal and Axar Patel.

Stating the same, former English spinner Graeme Swann said: “I think the all-round package of Hardik Pandya gives India options in selection. It might give you the option of playing the extra spinner or a bowler less and strengthen your batting and going into the World Cup, I think having him as a full-blown all-rounder is key to the balance of India’s team.”