Former India opener Aakash Chopra is known for his sharp analysis with respect to the latest happenings in the cricketing world. He often comes up with team’s and players’ analysis, whether in the international arena or domestic circuit.
Chopra has now picked the most valuable white-ball cricketer in the Indian team. The cricketer-turned-commentator heaped praises on star all-rounder Hardik Pandya, terming him India’s ‘most valuable player in white-ball cricket.’
Chopra’s big statement came after Hardik was recently adjudged the ‘Player of the Series’ in the ODI series against England, which India won 2-1. Notably, Hardik starred with both and ball and played a huge role in India’s win at the decider in Manchester.
Hardik picked up a four-wicket haul for 24 runs and then played a match-winning 71-run knock with the bat, forming a game-changing 133-run fifth-wicket stand with Rishabh Pant (125*) as the ‘Men in Blue’ chased down the 260-run target.
Chopra asserted that it is possible to get spin-bowling all-rounders but finding a replacement for Hardik is extremely difficult.
“Hardik Pandya – he has been absolutely stellar. One thing is getting proved that he is India’s most valuable player in white-ball cricket. I don’t think there is going to be anyone who is going to come close to him. If Hardik Pandya is fit, his replacement is not available. You will get many spin-bowling all-rounders in India, you get them easily, in different formats, but you don’t get a fast-bowling all-rounder at all, it is not possible at all,” Chopra said on his YouTube channel,
Chopra felt that Hardik has become quite exceptional ever since he has regained full fitness. The Agra-born termed Hardik as the number one performer in the England series and said he has taken the responsibility of finishing matches with the bat.
“Now that he has come back to full spring as a bowler, he is bowling well, and a different level of maturity is being seen in his batting. You will also have to probably thank the IPL for that because he got the responsibility, got the chance to play in a different fashion. Now it is not that you just come in the end and play as a finisher. The team has asked more, he has delivered more. So this has been an extremely beautiful thing. In my opinion, the No. 1 performer for this entire white-ball series, Hardik without a doubt,” Chopra added.