The Indian team is filled with talent to the brim so it must be very hard for a good player to break in let alone hold his place in the team. Over the past few years, a lot of players have come in and out of the squad but have found it hard to strike down a place permanently in the team.
One player who certainly does not seem to have a problem fitting right in the team is Hardik Pandya. The gods of destiny have been very kind to Hardik that he has even a Test cap to his name at a time when it is hard to break into any team of any format.
That does not mean that he doesn’t deserve it. He has been consistent in his performances and has shown that he belongs in the biggest stage. His innings in the Champions Trophy Final is a testament to his incredible talent and the future is very bright for him. He is also someone who has a good temperament, so all signs point to a good future for the lad.
A legend in the making? Don’t think too far. Stay in the present and take it one game at a time.
Though it is hard to classify Pandya as a legend already, the signs point to just that. He has already cemented his place in the limited overs squads thanks to his big hitting ability and tremendous fielding and athleticism. That he is also a handy fast bowler who can pick up wickets or contain the opposition batsmen mean that he is the ideal all-rounder that the team is looking for.
Not since the time a belligerent Yuvraj Singh crafted a World Cup victory for India have we ever had an all-rounder who is genuine. Yuvraj is still around, but is a fading force owing to age and his contribution to the game of cricket will never be forgotten. It is time however for the team to invest in Hardik and if he can keep his head and pull out performances like the Champions Trophy Final, there is no reason why he can’t be touted as another great.
But, having said this, it is very important that Hardik doesn’t allow too many thoughts to puzzle his mind. He needs to stay focused and not think too far ahead.
No distractions:
One of the most important things that Pandya needs to take care of are distractions. He is still very young and could get lost in the glitz and glamour of the game. He does have a flair for going overboard either with his style or his game but as long as it does not affect his performance, nobody is really complaining.
Pandya is one of the most active players on social media as well. He is someone who provides updates on the team during their time off and this has made him one of the more popular cricketers in the game today.
If Pandya can go from strength to strength like he did with his inclusion in the Test squad, he will surely go down as a player of remarkable talent who actually fulfilled his potential. It remains to be seen how he approaches the rest of his career and the better he gets, the better it is for the country.
By Rohit Nair
