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'India always wanted an all-rounder like this': Danish Kaneria reserves high praise for Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya produced one of the most impressive all-round performances of all-time on Sunday in the series decider against England, when he first got rid of four English batters and then added 133 runs for the fifth wicket with Rishabh Pant. Hardik, with the help of 10 fours, scored a 55-ball 71 in the third ODI in Manchester.

TN Sports Desk

Updated Jul 18, 2022, 11:40 IST

Hardik Pandya dismissed four English batters for 24 runs and then scored 71 runs with the bat in third ODI.

Photo : AP

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

Hardik impressed with his all-round show against England in the third ODI.
He registered his career-best bowling figures in one-day matches.
Hardik also scored 71 runs from 55 balls with the help of 10 fours.

It was Hardik Pandya’s day in Manchester on Sunday (July 17), as he shone with both bat and ball to help India beat England by five wickets in the series decider. The 28-year-old all-rounder, who is more than a decent fast-bowler and an outstanding middle-order batter, first registered his career-best bowling figures of 4 for 24 in seven overs and then made 71 from 55 balls with the help of 10 fours.

Hardik, who made his comeback to the Indian team during the South Africa series last month, kept India on track before Rishabh Pant completed the job by scoring 125 off 113 balls.

For his heroics in the three-match ODI series, Hardik won the Player of the Series award. And lauding Hardik for his superb display in the series decider, former Pakistani spinner Danish Kaneria said that the all-rounder brings a lot to the table and India have always wanted a player like him who can act as a support cast to the pace unit.

"India bowled well with the new ball in the absence of Bumrah, but it was Hardik Pandya's day. India always wanted an all-rounder like this for a long, long time. They have always had a spin all-rounder, but India needed someone who could support the pace unit and batting."

The former Men in Green cricketer was happy with Pandya’s show in the series decider against England at Old Trafford and said that he played a big part in Pant’s innings as well by giving him confidence.

"Hardik Pandya is the No. 1 all-rounder in the world. He played a very important role in (Rishabh) Pant's innings. He kept talking to him throughout their partnership and gave him confidence. This is one of the best knocks in Pant's career so far. There is no doubt about it."

Pandya, who won the IPL 2022 title earlier this year with Gujarat Titans, will next be seen in action against the West Indies in the five-match T20I series.

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