India’s swashbuckling all-rounder Hardik Pandya made a blistering start of his batting career in Test cricket, in the first innings of the ongoing Test of the 3-match series between Sri Lanka and India.
Pandya, who is regarded as one of the most exciting young talents in India, batted in his trademark fashion and took full advantage of the good batting conditions. He came in to bat at number 8 and played powerful strokes all around the wicket.
We all know that Hardik is a very aggressive batsman and he doesn’t like holding his attacking instincts back. In fact, many believe, that he is one of the most hardest cricketers in world cricket at the moment. When he decides to go for a big one, he keeps his head very steady and gives it his all. And, more often than not, he clears the ground with ease. In fact, the ball travels way back in the stands.
When Hardik was included in the playing XI, the biggest question among fans and pundits was- whether he will be able to adjust his game according the need of the format?
Well, in the last 10 years or so, we have seen attacking batsmen like Virender Sehwag, David Warner and others, do extremely well at the Test match level without altering their original style of batting. Similarly, even Hardik can keep playing the way he does in Test cricket. But, the most important thing would be his shot selection. He will have to cut down on high risk strokes, and it won’t be easy.
Coming back to his debut Test innings, Pandya scored 50 runs off 49 balls. By virtue of this knock, he now holds the record of scoring the second fastest fifty by an Indian on Test debut. In his innings, Pandya scored 3 huge sixes and 5 fours!
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