ENG vs IND 2022: It’s invaluable to have Hardik Pandya in the side – Wasim Jaffer lauds Indian all-rounder

Former Indian domestic giant Wasim Jaffer believes Hardik Pandya is invaluable to the Indian team in the white-ball formats. Pandya was at his absolute best in the ODI series against England, which India won by 2-1 after winning the deciding game by five wickets.

Pandya scored 100 runs in two innings at an average of 50 and a strike rate of 101.01. Furthermore, he took six wickets in three matches at an average of 12.33 and an economy rate of 4.35.

Pandya’s best all-around performance came in the third ODI at Old Trafford, Manchester on Sunday. The right-arm pacer first returned with figures of 4-24 in his seven overs, which is his best ODI bowling figures. Thus, he played an instrumental role in skittling out the opposition at 259 runs.

Subsequently, he scored a fine knock of 71 runs off just 55 balls to help India get close to the target. The right-hander added 133 runs with Rishabh Pant and played an aggressive role in the alliance. Ergo, Pandya delivered with both bat and ball to help his team win the series.

Pandya definitely adds value to the team as a seam-bowling all-arounder and he is a vital cog for India, especially in overseas conditions.

Wasim Jaffer said while talking to ESPN Cricinfo, “Hardik Pandya has been on top of his game since the IPL. The way he has batted, bowled and how he led his side in the IPL, he’s showing a very mature mindset.”

“We all know Pandya walks into the Indian side if he’s able to bowl. But if he performs this well, he walks into any side pretty easily. It’s invaluable to have him in the side in white-ball cricket. It will be very heartening for Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid to see him play like this.”

On the other hand, Jaffer added it was incredible to note that both Pant and Pandya stood up when the team had their backs against the wall. The duo added 133 runs in the run-chase after they joined forces at 72-4.

He explained: “When Rohit Sharma took on the captaincy, he said that he wanted to see how India respond when they are 10/3 because they rely so heavily on their top three.He will be very, very happy with how Hardik Pandya and Rishabh Pant built that partnership after the side were 72/4. It’s incredible to see these two guys stand up. Pandya has been tremendous with both bat and ball.”

India will next take on West Indies in the first ODI on Friday