Sanjay Manjrekar India’s former Batsman backs Hardik Pandya for pure number 6 batsmen in ODIs.
Sanjay Manjrekar who earlier criticized selectors for the selection of all-rounder in One Day Squad against Australia seems to have changed his mind. Former Indian Batsmen, Sanjay Manjrekar backs Hardik Pandya as a pure number 6 batsmen in ODIs for India. After a rollicking performance from the dashing Hardik Pandya in the third and final ODI against Australia. Ravindra Jadeja and Hardik’s match-winning partnership of 150 runs avoided a clean sweep.
Sanjay Manjrekar while commentary in Sony Six heaped praise on Hardik Pandya for his match-winning 92 in the final ODI while unbeaten 90 in the first game. Manjrekar who initially looked confused about his selection, later said, “India has found the perfect number 6 batsmen in the form of Hardik Pandya.”
Even though the all-rounder is not fully sure about his bowling but he is showing good intent with his batting performance. The former Indian batsman, Sanjay Manjrekar added that he was impressed with Pandya’s maturity during both the knocks in Canberra and Sydney.
He is a pure number 6 batsman:
“I was a bit spectacle when the selectors picked him on the basis of IPL performance. I thought he was a good Twenty20 batsman but One Day- is a slightly different format. Can Hardik Pandya be a pure 50 over batsman and he proved his mettle in support,” Sanjay Manjrekar on Sony Six.
“He scored 90 runs in the first encounter too but we have seen him scoring runs and not be consistent enough. He proved us wrong and scored a good match-winning knock in the final ODI against Australia. So yes, India has found a pure number 6 batsman.”
Manjrekar accepted that Pandya’s brilliant performance in the series forced him to alter his thoughts on the all-rounder. He initially believed that Manish Pandey would be a much better option for India in the number 6 position.
“It was not a Twenty20 game, Men In Blue lost a few early wickets. He got 30 runs from 30 balls. He has that range and not many bowers can keep him shut for long period. That’s really impressive. He has convinced me as I was dicey about him at number 6 pure batsman.”
“Whether he bowls or not, India has found a capable and reliable batsman who can be used at number 5 or 6 in the near future.”
After his stellar performance in the series, Pandya amassed a total of 210 runs in the three-match series. He will surely continue his heroic show in the T20Is ahead.
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