Hardik Pandya: Indian All-Rounder yet to prove himself in ODIs, says World Cup winning cricketer

Hardik Pandya yet to prove himself in ODIs: The Indian all-rounder is yet to prove himself in ODIs, says Mohinder Amarnath.

Former Indian cricketer and 1983 World Cup winning all-rounder, Mohinder Amarnath comes up with some words of wisdom for the present Indian cricket team and its players ahead of the mega ICC 2019 Cricket World Cup in UK.

With India all set to begin their campaign against South Africa on June 5 in Southampton, the 68-year-old believes that the Indian cricket team under Virat Kohli, has the ability to win the upcoming World Cup, provided the players click at the right time.

“I think we (India) have the potential, we have the players, we have the experience and they have to click at the right time. And whatever they have played and all that, that is in the past, it is fresh tournament, fresh matches and it is like playing like new games, new preparation,” Amarnath told PTI on the sidelines CEAT Cricket Awards 2019.

On Hardik Pandya

Having been an all-rounder himself, Amarnath also expressed his views on the flamboyant Indian all-rounder, Hardik Pandya.  He said that the 25-year old still needs to prove himself in the 50-over format, as the IPL format is a different ball game altogether.

Having said that, he also believes that Pandya has the ability to become a genuine all-rounder for India in the long-run.

“I think, we should not compare IPL preparation to a World Cup. IPL is a different format, different kind of cricket. He (Hardik) is a young guy and getting better with time and experience and all that. (But) he has to prove himself in this format (50-over), that he can fit in as a genuine all-rounder. He has the potential and he can do the job. But you have to access the situation and play according to the situation,” said Amarnath.

ALSO READ: Full list of players who will lead their teams in World Cup 2019.

The 68-year-old also expressed his views on the man-of-the-match of the IPL final a couple of days ago, Jasprit  Bumrah.

Terming him as ‘awkward’, the former all-rounder feels that he can be the difference for India in its campaign for the mega event.

“He (Bumrah) is a fantastic bowler and he is very awkward; he has got a lot of variation, a crafted bowler and I think he is very crucial from India’s point of view. He has to stay fit what I personally feel and he will make a difference (to India’s campaign). He is very consistent with line and length,” Amarnath said.

Undoubtedly Amarnath, who has featured in 89 one-dayers and 69 Tests for India knows what is best for the Indian team as he himself was a key member for India, back in 1983, when India won the World Cup.

Back then, India was a deemed underdog side which had triumphed against the ever mighty West Indies team in the World Cup final by 43 runs, pulling off one of the biggest upsets in cricket history.

The current Indian side however, is at its prime and is one of the strong contenders to win their 3rd 50-over World Cup title under the leadership of arguably world’s best batsman, Virat Kohli.