Hardik Pandya represents modern, fearless, Indian cricketer, says Daren Ganga

11/09/2018

Former Windies star Darren Ganga has claimed the emergence of Baroda all-rounder Hardik Pandya has not surprised him as the latter represents the modern and fearless crop of Indian cricketers. Ganga credited the IPL for helping selectors scout for talent and nurture youngsters at a tender age.

Hardik Pandya can fool many by his diminutive size but when he steps onto the pitch, he is nothing short of a beast. The Baroda-born all rounder has enjoyed somewhat of a fairytale journey in his career so far ever since he was picked up by the Mumbai Indian a few years ago. Hardik, along with elder brother Krunal Pandya, firmly established themselves as fan favorites amongst the MI squad and the former was immediately drafted into the Indian limited-overs format under the leadership of then captain, MS Dhoni.

Since then the explosive all-rounder, who is currently recovering from a back injury suffered during the Asia Cup campaign, has cemented a spot in the limited-overs team under Virat Kohli. Ganga heaped praise on the youngster as he claimed that his versatility gave Kohli lot of options on the pitch.

“Hardik, to me, represents the modern, fearless Indian cricketer. They are aggressive and bold. He gives more options to skipper Virat Kohli in the team formation,” Ganga said in an interview with The Hindu.

The former Caribbean captain also heaped praise on the likes of Umesh Yadav and U-19 World Cup winning captain, Prithvi Shaw, who both enjoyed a highly successful outing in the Test series last month.

“Look at someone like Prithvi Shaw. It was incredible the way he commanded the stage in his very first Test. He looks very assured and batted in ultra attacking style in his first game for India. His talent is backed by statistics. Mayank Agarwal, Hanuma Vihai, Sanju Samson and Shreyas Iyer are all excellent. And it is great to see India producing so many fine pace bowlers.

"In the 20 years I have been playing and following cricket, I haven’t seen a performance like that by an Indian fast bowler. To see him bowl like that on a surface meant for spinners was amazing. Such surprises are the beauty of this sport,” Ganga added.

Ganga credited the Indian Premier League for the development of young talent in the Indian subcontinent. He added that the IPL was the greatest on-the-job training a young cricketer could look forward to.

“Contrary to what many people believe, I think T20 cricket impacts the longer formats positively; it is about how you embrace it. It teaches you how to manage risks, adds versatility to your bowling and makes your fielding sharp.

“When a young Shaw sits in the dressing room with Kevin Pietersen and plays against Mitchell Johnson, A.B. de Villiers or Chris Gayle, nothing in international cricket will overawe you. Full credit to the BCCI for coming up with the IPL,” added Ganga.

Get updates! Follow us on

Open all