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Renowned Coach Questions Hardik Pandya's Credentials As An All-Rounder

Pandya in nets with Gautam Gambhir ahead of SL vs IND (x.com)Pandya in nets with Gautam Gambhir ahead of SL vs IND (x.com)

A lot is happening in the world of Hardik Pandya. Since returning as a hero after India's T20 World Cup triumph in Barbados a month ago, Hardik Pandya has been snubbed from T20I captaincy and separated from his ex-wife Natasa Stankovic. Now, former Australian cricketer and renowned coach Dav Whatmore has questioned the Indian maestro's credentials as an all-rounder.

Whatmore, who recently joined Baroda ahead of the 2021-22 season, has publicly criticized the Baroda-born cricketer for not playing enough domestic cricket. This critique has added a new layer of drama to Pandya's already eventful life. 

"There are still some individuals who don't play white-ball cricket. For example, during my last few years in Baroda, Hardik Pandya wouldn't ever play white-ball cricket. It always amuses me that he's termed an all-rounder from Baroda but hasn't played for Baroda in years! So, yes, there are some who don't do that," Whatmore said on Pak Passion's YouTube channel. 

Recently, the 30-year-old all-rounder opted out of the ODI leg of the Sri Lanka tour. After this, a report surfaced that stated Pandya will have to audition in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25 to prove his mettle as a bowler ahead of the Champions Trophy.

Furthermore, the Baroda coach showcased their belief in the BCCI to ensure players like Pandya play in the Ranji Trophy.

"But recently, I've seen that the BCCI is keen for players to participate in the Ranji Trophy as well as other formats to ensure they view cricket as a sport. Efforts are being made to ensure four-day cricket is not neglected," Whatmore added.

Pandya is considered a prime member of the current Indian team and has scored close to 4000 international runs and taken 185 wickets. Meanwhile, Baroda played the Syed Mushtaq Ali trophy's final last season under Whatmore. The 70-year-old was Bangladesh's coach when they defeated India in the 2007 World Cup.