Harbhajan Singh, the veteran India off-spinner, lauded Hardik Pandya as a power-hitter after his excellent showing during the high-pressure chase in the second T20I versus Australia on Sunday (December 6).
Hardik seamlessly adapted to the difficult situation he walked into at the SCG with India requiring another 75 runs off just 38 balls chasing the mammoth 195-run target. The explosive right-hander blazed his willow for another stellar innings of 42* in just 22 balls and took India home in the final over.
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Speaking to India Today, Harbhajan lavished praise over the 27-year-old and said he is possibly "better" at his work than the widely acknowledged West Indies six-hitter Andre Russell.
"Yes, most definitely. He always had the talent. We knew he could hit big sixes. But now he has been playing consistently, he has got the idea of staying there and finishing the game," he said.
"Confidence is building every day. He is someone who is a proper finisher for Team India. He is as good as Russell, maybe better than (him), I would say. He is hitting sixes at will."
For Harbhajan, what gives Hardik an edge is his technical acumen along with the range of shots he possesses, something that has helped him flourish consistently in the white-ball leg of the difficult Aussie tour.
"At the same time, he has got the technique as well. He is someone who can take singles as well. He is not someone who just likes to hit sixes. He is a very, very mature batsman, he has got a good technique. It's good to see him taking up the responsibility and finishing off the game like he did today," said Harbhajan.
"As I mentioned, he always had the talent, he has a very good technique. When he is facing the fast bowlers, he has so much time, when he is facing the spinners, he can play the big shots and at the same time, take singles."
"He is a very attacking player but very sensible. He knows which bowler to choose to go after. It's good to see him showing that maturity. His batting is as good as any batsman. If he can bowl a couple of overs, it will be the icing on the cake," he signed off.
