Cricketer-turned-commentator Sanjay Manjrekar lauded India batsman Hardik Pandya's batting at number six in the recently concluded ODI series against Australia. Hardik, who scored 90, 28, and 92* in the three matches, was the top scorer for India in the series.
Manjrekar wasn't sure if Hardik would be good enough in the lower order, but he showed maturity as a batsman in the ODI series.
"I was skeptical when they picked him on IPL performance. I thought he was a good T20 batsman but 50 overs is a slightly different game. Can Hardik Pandya be a pure 50 overs batsman and he proved to all of us that he can," Manjrekar told Sony Six after India's win the third ODI.
"He had that score in the first match but we have seen him get runs and not be consistent enough but we have seen in this game again today. So yes, India has found a pure No. 6. Who knows he might start going up the order.
"Whether he bowls or not, India has now found a very capable batsman who can be used as an option in No. 5 or No. 6.
"It wasn't a T20 innings, India lost early wickets and he got 30 from his first 30 balls. He has got the range and not too many bowlers can keep him quiet. That's really impressive. He has convinced me as I was skeptical about him as a No. 6 pure batsman. I think India has found one."
India won the final ODI by 13 runs after losing the first two matches and series. They will play a three-match ODI series, starting on Friday in Canberra.
