He made this observation while talking about the value the all-rounder brings to the table in a video shared on his Facebook page.

Aakash Chopra started by pointing out that Hardik Pandya is becoming the most prized asset of the Indian limited-overs team ahead of the stalwarts like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah. He added that the 27-year-old will have to play a significant role if India are to win the T20 World Cup next year.

The reputed commentator highlighted that India has not enjoyed title-winning runs in the recent World Cups despite some of their top-order batsmen like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma being amongst the runs.

He added that India cannot rely only on their top three batsmen and would need players to finish games, especially with MS Dhoni having called it a day from international cricket.

The former KKR player pointed out that finishing a match is a specialist skill and cannot be acquired easily.

Aakash Chopra observed that Hardik Pandya has grown by leaps and bounds in the and role and has shown the ability to adjust his game according to the demands of the situation.

The 43-year-old gave the example of Hardik Pandya’s knock in the second T20I against Australia, where he proved he could perform the role that only MS Dhoni was able to do in the recent past.

He opined that Rishabh Pant is the only other Indian who could take on the responsibility but has fallen off the radar due to his inconsistent performances.

Aakash Chopra reckons that India should bat Hardik Pandya at the No. 5 spot in both limited-overs formats of the game to make the best use of his abilities.

Aakash Chopra on Hardik Pandya’s importance as a bowler

Referring to Hardik Pandya’s bowling, Aakash Chopra highlighted that India’s search for all-rounders has proved futile over the years.

The former Test opener pointed out that India does not really have any other quality all-rounders and have to manage with just the five bowlers in the playing XI.

He observed that Hardik Pandya could solve that problem by playing the dual role of a No. 5 batsman and the sixth bowler who can bowl a few overs.

Aakash Chopra signed off by iterating that Hardik Pandya is slowly becoming India’s most crucial player in limited-overs cricket due to his all-round prowess.

Hardik Pandya has played the middle-order batsman’s role with aplomb in the ongoing limited-overs series against Australia. He has adjusted his game as per the demands of the situation and has been India’s standout performer with the bat.

The Indian team management would be hoping that he gets back to full bowling fitness at the earliest, as that would lend the much-needed balance to the unit.

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