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"Missing Hardik Pandya": Ex-NZ Player Points At India's All-Rounder Woes In Tests

Soumyajit Dutta

Hardik Pandya [Source: @rohan_gangta/X.com]Hardik Pandya [Source: @rohan_gangta/X.com]

Shubman Gill's maiden Test captaincy stint ended on a positive note as India fought back to secure a 2-2 draw against England in their backyard. The young skipper's leadership drew commendation from former New Zealand all-rounder Craig McMillan, who emphasised the importance of Gill establishing his distinctive brand of captaincy.

While praising Gill, McMillan also stressed the 'Hardik Pandya void', which is compelling in the case that India's strategic options may need a strong seam-bowling all-rounder for overseas conditions.

McMillan Answers India's All-Rounder Conundrum

While India's think tank might not ponder about Hardik Pandya, who had a decent Test career with 532 runs and 17 wickets from his 11 Test matches, the former New Zealand player pointed at the all-rounder conundrum. 

McMillan, currently assisting New Zealand's women's team in Chennai in an exclusive talk with TOI, elaborated on Pandya's importance.

"In Asian conditions, you need a spin-bowling allrounder like Jadeja, Washington or previously R Ashwin. In NZ, Australia and England, you need a fast-bowling allrounder. It is where India are missing a player like Hardik Pandya who can bowl medium pace and bat lower down the order. For England, Ben Stokes is two players in one." McMillan told TOI.

McMillan Wants Gill To Learn More

Further, McMillan also highlighted the need for Gill to carve out his team's playing style with the head coach for better and more effective play.

"When India had played under Virat Kohli, everyone knew how they had played — they had been aggressive. It might be a bit different because of the personality of Gill. He has got to work that out with the coach Gautam Gambhir," McMillan added.

Nevertheless, McMillan's praise for the young skipper was whole-hearted. While praising Shubman Gill, the all-rounder stressed that he needs more learning, which will come from experience.

"He looks a good captain. The first series is very tough. In such a pressure-cooked series, he probably made a few mistakes. But you expect those in his first series. He will get better with experience. He is the future, so India will invest in him. He will get to know his team’s game, which I think is really important, and the style of play," McMillan said.

With the England tour a moral success, Indian fans will now look up to Suryakumar Yadav to lead the team in the Asia Cup, where the Men in Blue's campaign will begin from September 10 against the UAE.