'He is a four-dimensional player now' - Kiran More on Hardik Pandya

Former Indian wicketkeeper Kiran More has heaped high praise on star all-rounder Hardik Pandya, stating that the Baroda cricketer is a 'four-dimensional' cricketer.


Apart from being a priceless asset for any side with the bat, ball or in the field, Hardik showcased leadership abilities to the hilt in the recently concluded season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The seam-bowling all-rounder led unfancied debutants Gujarat Titans to title glory.


For More, Hardik was always a three-dimensional cricketer, someone who loved performing for the team with his variety of skills.


But, according to the former chairman of the national selection committee, Hardik has added another dimension to his game: leadership.


"For me, Hardik was a young kid who wanted to perform all the time. I now believe he is a four-dimensional player now. Earlier, he was a three-dimensional player because he is bowler, a batter and a fielder, but now he is captain as well. So you feel proud that you have such a talented cricketer in the national side," More said on India Today.


Pandya showcased his versatility to the hilt in the IPL as he embraced the role of batting in the top-4 to brilliant effect.


In 15 games, he scored 487 runs at an average of 44.27 and a strike rate of 131.27 with the help of 4, 50+ scores.


Like a true champion, he saved his best for the summit clash against Rajasthan Royals in front of 104,000 home fans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.


He stabbed a dagger in RR's heart by dismissing an in-form Jos Buttler, skipper Sanju Samson and West Indian swashbuckler Shimron Hetmyer in what was a sensational display of pace bowling.


Pandya then capped off the night with a match-winning 30-ball 34, and Indian fans will now hope that he carries his form and confidence in the forthcoming World Cup.


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'How long he will bowl we really don't know': Mohammad Azharuddin

Former Indian cricketer and legend Mohammad Azharuddin has expressed concern over star Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya's fitness level in the near future. Hardik Pandya, who was out of action since November last year, made a terrific comeback in the 2022 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) and impressed all with his all-round show. Not only did he lead Gujarat Titans (GT) to their maiden IPL title in their debut season, but he also emerged as the highest run-scorer for his side. Apart from scoring runs consistently, he also delivered with the ball whenever the team needed him the most. He finished the season with 487 runs in 15 matches, including four fifties and eight wickets. "He has the ability, he has done well for the Indian team, but because of the injuries, he was not in the team consistently. He has come back now, he is bowling his four overs. How long he will bowl we really don't know. But we definitely want him to bowl since he is an all-rounder," Azharuddin was quoted as saying in a report by Khaleej Times. Hardik's best performance came in the summit clash against Rajasthan Royals (RR), where he took charge himself and removed the three big men, Sanju Samson, Jos Buttler and Shimron Hetmyer, to provide the inaugural champions with the mortal blow. While chasing, he scored 34 runs with the bat to take his side one step closer to the victory. "In the IPL final (against Rajasthan Royals), he completely changed the game, three wickets in four overs, then he scored 34 quick runs. He is a good talent, just needs that consistency," Azharuddin added. The star all-rounder has been named in the Indian T20I squad for the upcoming South Africa series, starting in Delhi on June 9. It will be intriguing to see if he sustains the same momentum while playing for India.