Hardik Pandya compared with Jacques Kallis by former Pak coach

Hardik Pandya claimed three wickets with the ball

Hardik Pandya came up clutch in India’s high-voltage Asia Cup 2022 bout against Pakistan. The dynamic all-rounder picked three wickets with the ball, and came back to strike 33 unbeaten runs, which included the six that sealed the game.

Pandya, who was fittingly adjudged ‘Player of the Match’, has received praise from South Africa-based former Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur.

Arthur pinpoints similarity between Pandya and legendary Kallis

Mickey Arthur, who coached Pakistan between the years 2016 and 2019, heaped praise on Pandya following the all-rounder’s match-winning impact in India’s Asia Cup opener.

While speaking on ESPNCricinfo, Arthur compared the Indian cricketer with South African legend and all-time great Jacques Kallis. He said that playing against a team with Pandya in it feels like playing against a team of 12 players.

“Hardik Pandya in the side means it’s almost like India are playing with 12 players. It reminds me of my time back in South Africa when we had Jacques Kallis. You have a guy who can be one of your four seamers and bat in your top-five.”

The former South African cricketer also highlighted Pandya’s leadership skills in reference to his IPL-winning campaign for Gujarat Titans this year.

“I have seen Hardik mature and mature and his leadership in the last IPL was outstanding. He managed his team very well and played so well under pressure.”

Asia Cup 2022 updates

India will now face Hong Kong in their next Asia Cup 2022 match on August 31. The upcoming contest will be played in Dubai and will mark an end to India’s Group A journey of the tournament.

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