Asia Cup 2022: Such players are needed in the team – Kiran More hails Hardik Pandya

Former Indian selector Kiran More has showered praise on all-rounder Hardik Pandya after he continues to impress with his all-around abilities. Pandya has been in prolific form in the recent past and he has played an instrumental role in the success of the team.

The right-hander had returned back to action in the IPL and scored 487 runs for Gujarat Titans. Ergo, he had played a key role in leading from the front and took his team to glory. Since then whatever Pandya is touching is turning to gold.

Pandya has proved his bowling fitness and he is consistently bowling in the T20I format, which is adding balance to the team. Furthermore, Pandya has been in good form with the bat and has the skills to add the finishing touches.

Pandya has scored 834 runs in 67 T20I matches while he has scalped 50 wickets.

Speaking to Star Sports, Kiran More said, ​​”The way Hardik Pandya has got back in form, bowling to 140-147 km. When the captain gets such a player in the team who can bowl 4 overs and take wickets as well as gets runs for the team and a finisher as well, such players are needed in the team.”

Meanwhile, Pandya had led the Indian team in the two-match T20I series against Ireland. Subsequently, the all-rounder got another opportunity to lead the national team in the fifth T20I against West Indies in the absence of Rohit Sharma. Pandya said he would be open to leading Team India if the opportunity presents itself in the future.

He had said in the post-match presentation of the fifth T20I, “Yeah! why not? If I get an opportunity in the future, I’ll be more than happy to do that, but right now we have the World Cup, and we have the Asia Cup (coming up). We’re going to focus on that and make sure as a team what we’re doing, we continue (with that) and make sure that all the skillsets, which we are learning we can keep getting better at it, and at the same point of time enjoy the game as well.”

Hardik Pandya will be in action in the Asia Cup and he will look to continue his good form. India will begin their campaign against Pakistan on 28th August at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai.