Ever since he made his debut for the Indian team, Hardik Pandya has been one of the most impactful players for his side. The talented all-rounder’s presence itself makes such a remarkable difference to the team’s prospects. Pandya’s return to the Indian T20 team for the series against South Africa has already created a buzz.
However, Pandya has been prone to injuries and that has been the concern with the player. The team management has been working overtime to manage his workload and former India player Sanjay Bangar said it was important for the team that Pandya is kept injury free.
“It is too early to say if Hardik should play six or seven T20Is before the World Cup. But he should at least play the first three matches against South Africa. We need to see how he copes. Playing in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy is different from the intensity of an international game. The team management must manage the workload of important players like him. So, if needed, we must do that for Hardik too. A fit Hardik Pandya allows the team to play its desired combination, especially with the spin options we have. That’s why his presence is critically very vital,” Bangar said on JioStar’s Follow the Blues programme.
Bangar also said that Pandya is a rare player and, therefore, should be treasure. “Look at all the all-rounders in world cricket now. Does England have a back-up for Ben Stokes? No. In one-day or even Test cricket, there is no back-up for Ravindra Jadeja. It is the same with Hardik Pandya. He can command a spot in the top five on his batting alone. He could also be one of the top three seamers in any team if he was just a bowler. The point is, to be that kind of all-rounder, you must earn your place with your batting and also with your bowling. There is no other player like Hardik Pandya in the Indian team,” he said.
Shubman Gill’s mindset has grown
The return of Shubman Gill is also keenly watched as the reigning world champions India iron out their deficiencies ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup India and Sri Lanka 2026. Bangar said Gill’s growth as a Test captain is bound to benefit him in other formats too.
“The confidence Gill has now after doing so well in Test cricket over the last year will certainly help him. More than his skill, his mindset has grown. Taking extra responsibility as a Test Captain makes him a far more rounded player. He now understands the game situation and what is needed from him. At the top of the order, Gill could do the job for the team in T20I cricket. And if needed, Hardik Pandya could do a similar job in the middle order,” he said.
Sanju Samson vs Jitesh Sharma debate
Bangar also spoke about wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson’s position in the T20 side. “The Indian team management did give chances to Sanju Samson. He opened the innings and performed really well when Gill was absent, scoring hundreds against Bangladesh and South Africa. He also had a run of low scores. But his best spot in T20 cricket is still at the top. With players like Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, or Hardik Pandya available, there may not be a place for him at number four, five, or six. That’s why, if you need someone who can hit sixes with the older ball, you have Jitesh Sharma. He has done it in the past and does it regularly in the IPL. It is good to back a player who has done it for longer. Once your number four, five, and six are sorted, give the number seven spot to a guy who has done that job more often,” he said.
On the Sanju Samson versus Jitesh Sharma selection debate, Bangar said: “I think Jitesh will now get the number seven spot. The Indian team has tried to fit in Sanju Samson and tried him in different roles. But they have not got the required returns from him at number four, five, or six. Jitesh Sharma has shown he is quite a capable player. He can bat lower down the order and look to hit the big shots even with a slightly older ball.”
