India Hot Topics

What Hardik at his best, and his possible alternatives, bring to the table

Published

4 years ago

February 9, 2022

India

What Hardik at his best, and his possible alternatives, bring to the table

Pandya is like a multitasking specimen designed in a cricketer’s lab, but for a body that wilts in the cauldron of international cricket.
At his best, there are few who can do it like Hardik Pandya. His talents are rare and there are many – like hitting the first ball he faces; like setting off a six-hit carnage, like hitting his first ball at 140 km/h Timing; like seams at this speed in favorable conditions. He can wear several attire – Virat Kohli’s selfless, monotonous partner; Jasprit Bumrah’s finisher supporting act, who is both bat and ball finisher. On the seam, he can move the ball in both directions; on slow decks, he releases his cutter and slower ball; he brings balance and suppression, but only when he’s at his best.

Pandya is like a multitasking specimen designed in a cricketer’s lab, but for a body that wilts in the cauldron of international cricket. There may be more skilled players than him on the individual side. But as a healthy package, men like him are rare. This is especially true for a country where fast bowling is rare. Even if they do, they don’t have a Pandya-esque ancestry. No wonder coaches, captains, fans or anyone who follows Indian cricket closely is keeping a close eye on him, even though his last Test was three years ago and his recent appearances in white-ball cricket have been sporadic. Even in those games, he seemed like an imposter in his prime.

In his injury-free glory days, Pandya often affected the game. Of the players who debuted after him — in 2016 — no one could score on 116 attempts. Plus an average of 32 batting average. 6 or 7, he really is a real deal. Only Rohit Sharma has hit more sixes in 50-plus games than he (54) during that stretch. Pandya caused sheer damage in his last few strikes – 90 in Sydney’s 76, not the same as Canberra’s 92, or a whirlwind 63 in 44 against England in Pune. These knocks prove the theory that he was chosen purely for his generosity.
Pandya’s bowling was equally influential before injuries plagued him. He fills in mostly as a third receiver, operates on the death and, when handing over a new ball, also regularly grabs wickets. Like his Over-50 debut in Dharamsala, his top-flight spell in New Zealand, or his thrifty spell during the 2017 trophy and South Africa (2018). But he’s now a guest bowler, having lost his former pace and venom, and he’s no longer an automatic pitcher for the Eleven or the team. So just as Pandya is looking for his old self, so is the chooser looking for a replacement or a replacement, maybe not his transcript, but at least someone who can fill the multiple roles he can play. With an eye toward the 2023 World Cup, some of them may take on the role of Pandya.

Thakur can bat and the current bowler is better than Pandya. He may not have the pace of Pandya, but is cunning and has a knack for making the right ball at the right time. He has a whole range of white-ball skills to choose from, headlined by the knuckleball, and can make impressive transitions with the new ball as well. But in the Over-50 format, he’s mostly a bowler who can hit the ball. In 10 innings, he has played for half a century, averaging 127 points at 39.40 points per game. But it’s absurd to think he’s a homogeneous replacement for Pandya for three reasons. A) He’s never played under the all-rounder tag, which is a liability. B) Most of his runs are performed in a relatively stress-free environment. While useful, his run ultimately didn’t have a huge impact. C) No expected pressure.
His utility on the ball, though different, is on par with peak Pandya. He can take new balls, pick wickets, use chokes in midfield and hit the ball in the last 10. He’s also a tenacious hitter, but the big question is whether he can orchestrate chaos like Pandya. Sundar’s strike rates in T20s (119) and List A (79) suggest that his approach is more orthodox than postmodern. But at 22 years old, he has enormous potential and could be the all-rounder in Pandya mode before the next World Cup.
Jadeja is a guaranteed starter whether or not Pandya is on the court. With the ball, his role is different – he’s a spinner, mostly a middle-class thrift dealer. Like Pandya, he can do whatever he wants, but he can’t start with the No. 1 ball. These days, he takes his time before teeing off. He sacrificed some sprints in his quest to transform into a Test all-rounder. Jadeja has certainly rekindled some old businesses in recent Over-50 cricket, but can he consistently stir up such rage? Also, the general feeling is that a team needs two finishers/explosive late hitters.

Huda hit the right note in his debut Sunday, showing maturity under pressure while shooting an unbeaten 26. After a shaky phase, he’s matured and appears capable of handling quality at an international level, but the big question mark is whether he can bowl. After his action was cleared a few years ago, he was a handy perimeter player, a regular in the Indian Premier League, largely dependent on his ability to chip away with some stingy balls on a regular basis. India already has too many batsmen who don’t bowl. Furthermore, he has yet to replicate his big hand at the international level. Compared to IPL, ODI is another story.

Complete News Source – THE INDIAN EXPRESS

Related Topics:alternatives best hardik_pandeya_crickter possible table

Up Next

Controversy over China-made Statue of Equality: Here is what we know

Don't Miss

Endurance Technologies slips 8% as Q3 profit halves to Rs 95 crore

Cricket

Anushka Sharma Cheers as Smriti Mandhana’s RCB Makes History with Second WPL Title!

Published

4 months ago

February 6, 2026

Digital Post

Anushka Sharma hails RCB: Powerful Historic WPL Triumph

The air was thick with expectancy, the stadium buzzed with electricity, and everyone’s attention was focused on the emerging drama. The Women’s Premier League (WPL) final, which pitted Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) against Delhi Capitals (DC), promised to be a spectacular spectacle. We had no idea it would provide so much more – a nail-biting match culminating in a historic victory that sent shockwaves of joy around the cricketing globe, and no one was more excited than Bollywood diva Anushka Sharma. Her exuberant exclamation of “History repeated!” wonderfully captured the enthusiasm surrounding RCB’s stunning win, their second consecutive WPL title.

A Season of Resilience and Redemption

The Journey to the Final

RCB’s path through the WPL season was one of resilience, strategic brilliance, and unwavering commitment. Smriti Mandhana’s dynamic leadership led to continual growth, with the team learning from each setback and emerging stronger. Their route to the final was not without challenges, but each one strengthened their resolve, transforming them into a strong force eager to triumph.

Mandhana’s Masterclass in Leadership

Smriti Mandhana, known for her graceful batting, shone as a captain throughout the season. Her cool demeanour under pressure, clever tactical selections, and ability to motivate her teammates all contributed to RCB’s win. She led from the front, both with the bat and as captain, exemplifying the spirit of true leadership.

The Grand Finale: A Battle for Supremacy

DC’s Strong Start

The final against the Delhi Capitals was a match worthy of the occasion. DC, a powerhouse squad, started strong, scoring a tough total that tested RCB’s batting lineup. The early overs were tense, with both sides trading blows as they battled for dominance in the high-stakes match.

RCB’s Clinical Chase

However, the RCB chase was nothing short of clinical. The batsmen showed steel nerves, forming key partnerships and patiently chipping away at the objective. Each run was greeted with enthusiasm, and each boundary elicited tremendous ovation, as the momentum changed in RCB’s favour.

Anushka Sharma’s Elation: A True Fan’s Delight

Beyond The Boundary Ropes

Anushka Sharma, a loud and avid supporter of RCB – and, in fact, of all things cricket, given her husband Virat Kohli’s involvement with the men’s squad – has always been interested in the team’s success. Her presence, though virtual this time, was palpable. Her social media was buzzing with enthusiasm as she tracked every ball, wicket, and run.

“History Repeated!” – A Resounding Declaration

Upon RCB’s momentous victory, Anushka’s joy knew no bounds. Her initial reaction, “History repeated!”, was more than just a congratulatory statement; it was a genuine recognition of the team’s amazing feat. It struck a chord with fans, bringing back memories of RCB’s previous WPL victory and emphasising the squad’s consistent excellence under Smriti Mandhana. This victory was more than simply a single win; it was a declaration of purpose, confirming their place as the dominant force in women’s cricket.

The Impact of Victory

Inspiring a New Generation

RCB’s straight WPL wins are more than simply trophies; they serve as a source of motivation for a generation of ambitious female cricket players. These achievements highlight the incredible skill, devotion, and professionalism of women’s cricket, inspiring young girls to pursue their aspirations in the sport. The WPL’s visibility and success are critical in building a strong ecosystem for women’s cricket around the world.

Solidifying RCB’s Legacy

This second WPL triumph cements RCB’s legacy in the expanding world of women’s franchise cricket. It demonstrates their dedication to excellence, strategic team development, and developing top people. The team has not only won silverware, but it has also won hearts, resulting in a devoted and ever-growing fan base.

A Celebration of Teamwork and Tenacity

Every Player’s Contribution

The success was due to the combined efforts of all RCB players. From crucial bowling breakthroughs to critical runs scored by batters and great fielding exploits, each individual contribution is woven together to create a winning tapestry. It emphasised the value of teamwork, with each player playing an important role in achieving a common objective.

The Power of WPL

The WPL continues to grow in stature and popularity, giving an important platform for female cricketers to demonstrate their abilities on a worldwide scale. Matches such as the final between RCB and DC help to captivate fans and demonstrate the league’s tremendous competitiveness. The continued success of teams such as RCB only adds to the league’s allure and long-term viability.

Looking Ahead: A Bright Future

Maintaining Momentum

As RCB basks in the joy of winning back-to-back WPL titles, the issue now is to maintain that momentum. The cricket world will be looking to see how they evolve, innovate, and defend their championship status in the coming seasons. The benchmark has been established, and expectations are higher than ever.

The Expanding Reach of Women’s Cricket

The WPL’s success, fuelled by compelling finals and celebrity endorsements such as Anushka Sharma’s, demonstrates the growing reach and attraction of women’s cricket. It demonstrates the quality, passion, and rising fans that this format continues to attract, implying an even brighter future for the sport.

<< BACK TO TOC

Group Media Publication
Construction, Infrastructure, and Mining
General News Platforms – IHTLive.com
Entertainment News Platforms – https://anyflix.in/
Powered By: Super-fast and reliable streaming is delivered by Bunny CDN.
Explore: https://bunny.net/?ref=i33ljelh4w