IND vs SA 2022: It will be better if Hardik Pandya plays without constant pressure of bowling four overs – Ashish Nehra

Gujarat Titans head coach Ashish Nehra said it will be better if Hardik Pandya plays without constant pressure of bowling four overs. Pandya’s workload has always been under scrutiny since he injured his back and the all-rounder will look to be at his best in the ongoing five-match T20I series against South Africa.

In fact, Pandya didn’t bowl in all the matches for Gujarat Titans in the recently concluded Tata IPL 2022. Pandya led from the front as he amassed 487 runs in 15 matches at an impressive average of 44.27 and scored his runs at a strike rate of 131.27 in Tata IPL 2022 and thus played a huge role in the success of his team.

Furthermore, Pandya brought his best bowling performance in the final as he returned with impressive figures of 3-17 in the all-important final against Rajasthan Royals. The right-arm pacer went to take crucial wickets of Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson, and Shimron Hetmyer – which constitute the fulcrum of RR’s batting.

In fact, Pandya bowled consistently above 135 km/h in the IPL and looked at his best in the matches he bowled. Pandya is known to bowl a hard length and he is going to add value to the team’s bowling line-up, especially in the Australian conditions, where the pitches are known for their extra bounce.

“We always talk about Hardik Pandya, whether he will be able to bowl or not. See, what I think is that Pandya can fit into any format as a batsman; even in Test matches. But here, we are talking about T20s. If he bowls, it will obviously be beneficial for India,” Nehra said on Cricbuzz.

As none of the top-order Indian batters can roll their arm over, former Indian pacer feels Hardik Pandya is crucial for the team’s success as an all-rounder.

“With India’s squad composition, they need Hardik Pandya because none of their top-order batters bowl. Hardik is used as a fifth-bowler quite often. If he’s fit, he should bowl, no doubt. But it would be better if Hardik plays without the constant pressure of bowling four overs every game. You have to play five bowlers and Hardik Pandya as a sixth bowler,” said Nehra.

“See, I’m not saying Hardik can’t be the fifth bowler. With his skills, he can be your second or third bowler as well. But he has recently returned from injury, has played the entire IPL, so it would be better if you build him up slowly.”

Hardik Pandya has taken 42 wickets in 54 T20I matches and he will play for the national team for the first time since the T20 World Cup 2021.