Well, let us be honest in our assessment. Since Kapil Dev, India has never had an all-rounder who could massively impact and change the course of the game.
Many had tested the waters, but failed to produce the same influence as World Cup winner Kapil Dev. Far from it, India hasn't produce any colossal all-rounder in the mould of Kapil Dev. But since the emergence of Hardik Pandya, Virat Kohli's team have found an allrounder who can contribute in all formats.
He isn't Kapil Dev or Jacques Kallis, but there is something about Pandya that makes him a great asset to have. He lends balance to the Indian team, especially in the limited overs formats.?
In T20 cricket, he is a gold mine. He can score with a strike rate of over 200 coming lower down the order, chip in with the ball and get you a few wickets and go for 20-30 runs in his 4 overs,?
Regarded an asset in all formats for his ability to perform multiple roles, Pandya has been out of the game since undergoing a surgery in October last year to treat an acute lower-back injury and has remained out of action since.
India will be hoping he is back on the pitch soon as he is seen as a crucial member of the side. Especially given his big hitting prowess, he is considered major part of the shorter formats of the game. In what is still a short career, Pandya has shown on occasions that he can change the complexion of the game - both with bat and ball.
Although, it will be hard to match the influence of great figures like Kapil Dev and Jacques Kallis, but Hardik Pandya can still carve out a reputable career for himself.?
Right now, he is working hard on his fitness and he will be looking to come back and make an impact. He will definitely have studied how Dev and Kallis went about their job and became such great players. He will be looking to follow the lead.
There is no doubt Hardik Pandya will be included in the squad at the first opportunity alright. But whether he will be able to sustain the level of fitness after performing as an all-rounder, is a question that will keep the team management worried.
The man is an asset with bat, ball and on the field. Just what you need in the team.?