“I’ll Never Be Able to Fill MS’ Shoes”: When Hardik Pandya Called MS Dhoni an Irreplaceable Player in Indian Cricket Team

When MS Dhoni announced his retirement from international cricket, it was all-rounder Hardik Pandya who was tipped to be the new finisher of the side. When Pandya was asked about the same, he clearly said that it is impossible to replace someone of Dhoni’s quality in the team.

On a show named India Today Inspiration, Pandya once talked about the additional responsibility on him after Dhoni’s departure. Pandya was someone who had a reputation for hitting big sixes and that’s why he was expected to fill in Dhoni’s shoes.

Pandya had said that he won’t even try to bat like the former Indian captain as it will be very difficult for him to do that. He was committed to doing everything for the team and believed he will able to climb the ladder slowly and steadily.

When Hardik Pandya Called MS Dhoni an Irreplaceable Player in Indian Cricket Team

Pandya was excited about the opportunity as he had already shown glimpses of his ability. The current Gujarat Titans‘ captain once said that hitting sixes was not a big issue for him as he has been practicing it since childhood.

“I’ll never be able to fill MS’ shoes, so I don’t even think that way. I’m quite excited for the challenge to be honest. Whatever I do, it will be always for the team you know. It will be one step at the ladder and slowly-slowly that Cup will be there!,” Pandya had told journalist Boria Majumdar.

During the 2017 Champions Trophy final, Pandya proved to the world that he had the calibre to win difficult matches for India. Although India could not win the tournament, it was one of Pandya’s finest-ever knocks.

Hardik Pandya stats as India’s finisher

Talking about Hardik’s ODI stats at No. 6 and 7, he has managed to score 1,143 runs at an average of 34.40 and a strike-rate of 109.60. In T20Is, Pandya has mostly batted at No. 5, where he has managed to score 766 runs at a brilliant strike rate of 150.49.