Hardik Pandya picked two important wickets against Pakistan in CT 2025.
Aakash Chopra, a former opener for India, recently praised Hardik Pandya for his outstanding performance against Pakistan in Dubai during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Pandya was one of the top performers against Pakistan that Chopra brought to his audience's attention.
Hardik Pandya, an all-rounder for India, possesses amazing skills that give his side the much-needed balance. When the team needs him, Pandya can deliver since he has developed into a top-tier all-around player over the years.
Not just Pakistan, Chopra claimed that Pandya always performs in crunch situations when the team needs him to. He recalled a few instances where Hardik has played a key role in India's memorable victories.
Aakash Chopra published a list of the top bowlers who faced Pakistan in ICC competitions. Unexpectedly, Hardik is at the top of a list that includes legendary bowlers Glenn McGrath, Lasith Malinga, Zaheer Khan, and many others.
With 14 wickets now, Hardik is at the top of this list and is expected to take more in the near future. Playing against Pakistan seems to be enjoyable for him, and it also brings out the best in him.
"Who has taken the most wickets against Pakistan in ICC events? Names like Zaheer Khan, Mitchell Starc, Lasith Malinga, Glenn McGrath, Brett Lee, and Shane Warne might be coming to your mind. Cancel everyone, it is Hardik Pandya. It's a mind-numbing stat.
He has taken 14 wickets. Mitchell Starc has 11, Ashish Nehra has 10, and Ravindra Jadeja, Irfan Pathan and Courtney Walsh have nine each. He has got something against them. Pakistan have done something wrong seeing which he gets angry," Chopra said on his YouTube channel.
Aakash Chopra further called Hardik Pandya a player of big games. He also stated examples where Pandya has managed to win the games for India under immense pressure.
"It's not only about Pakistan. He has delivered in clutch situations. In the 2024 T20 World Cup final against South Africa, Heinrich Klaasen was hitting but who got him out - Hardik Pandya. Who dismissed David Miller in the last over - Hardik Pandya.
Whenever the team is stuck, he comes up with these clutch performances. Many players provide the glamor but he is the only one who provides balance. Hardik Pandya is the Indian team's life in white-ball cricket. He is the most valuable player. What he brings to the table, nobody else does," the cricketer-turned commentator added.
Hardik Pandya will be in action when India clashes with New Zealand in Champions Trophy 2025 on March 2.