Hardik Pandya will send shivers down opposition spines, says Steve Waugh

Australia lost their first match at the ongoing ICC World Cup 2019 at the hands of a determined Indian team led by Virat Kohli. The defending champions were humbled by a young Indian side led by Shikhar Dhawan and skipper Kohli at the top. Ultimately, Aaron Finch & Co. fell short of the target of 353 set by India by 36 runs. 

"It was an important toss to win for India as the Oval pitch had previously been used and was clearly one that slowed down as the match went on. India’s batting display was both measured and calculated with their plan clear and well executed. Their plan is to lay a foundation by not losing wickets and they stuck to it. But it’s the innings of Hardik Pandya that will send shivers down opposition spines. This guy might just be the equivalent of Lance Klusener in the 1999 World Cup. He has the ability to begin his innings like most finish with clean hitting that no opposing captain can protect," Waugh wrote in his column in Scroll.in.

"Leadership reveals itself in many forms but I thought Virat Kohli’s gesture in calming down the rough reception given to Steve Smith from the Indian spectators was a class act that calmed a volatile situation.

"India will walk away from this match full of confidence as most of their key players did exactly what needed to be done under extreme pressure and their game plan was executed perfectly," Waugh added.