In a short span of time in international cricket, allrounder Hardik Pandya has established himself as a regular in Indian team. His record in limited-overs cricket has been excellent with both the bat and the ball. After 32 ODIs, Pandya has a strike rate of 118.73 and he has proven to be a great asset down the middle order. His wicket-taking ability is an added bonus for skipper Virat Kohli, as he has already registered 35 wickets in ODIs at an average of 35.48.
But, in spite of his all-round performance, there were doubts whether Pandya is fit to be a part of the squad in the longest format. The 24-year old proved doubters wrong as he scored a century and a fifty against Sri Lanka in away matches in August last year.
After his performance in Sri Lanka, Pandya received a call for the all-important South Africa series. In spite of him playing three Tests in his career and having no prior experience of playing in tough overseas conditions in South Africa, former Proteas allrounder Lance Klusener believes he could be crucial for India. Hardik Pandya is the key player for team India and he show his skills both with the bat and ball. Hardik inning against Pakistan was the memorial innings although India was defeated in the final of Champion trophy. Hardik Pandya magnificent inning against Sri Lanka when he went on to score his maiden century. Hardik is power hitter batsmen which disliked by any bowler no matter how the pitch is. India will play against South Africa first test on 5th January.
