Former Australia international Shane Watson believes that if Hardik Pandya can handle the rigours of Test cricket, he will be a great addition to the Indian team. Notably, the all-rounder made his return to international cricket last year after a long battle with a back injury and ever since, the selectors and the team management have handled him well, giving him rest from time to time.
Meanwhile, he is currently not a part of the Indian Test team but Watson feels that he has the quality to do well in the longest format of the game. Hailing him for his incredible batting skills, the 41-year-old stated that he has got what it takes to perform well in Test cricket.
“If his body can handle the rigours of Test cricket then absolutely. He has got incredible skills even with his batting alone. He has got a very very sound batting technique. Yes, he is a power-hitter of the ball but everyone has seen him move up the batting order in T20 cricket, batting at No.4 for Gujarat Lions. Even in ODIs, he is not just a power-hitter. So from just batting perspective, he has got the game to perform in Test cricket,” Watson said as quoted by Hindustan Times.
He is one of the special talents in world cricket: Watson
When it comes to his bowling, Pandya has done really well in recent times. He can swing the ball upfront and can provide a huge impact with the new ball. He also has a five-for in red-ball cricket and thus, the 29-year-old has proved himself that he can be a valuable asset for the Rohit Sharma-led side.
In the meantime, Watson reminded that it is completely up to his body, whether he can handle the difficulties of Test cricket. However, he lauded Pandya’s bowling skills as well and called him one of the special talents in the world.
“Bowling wise, if he is fit he charges in and he has got great skill. He can swing the brand new ball away and he would provide a huge impact for the Indian Test team. For me it eventually comes down to his body and whether it can handle the rigours of playing Test cricket as a fast-bowling all-rounder. I would love to see him push the limits as an all-rounder and cricketer when it comes to playing all formats of the game because he is one of the special talents in world cricket,” Watson added.
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