Hardik Pandya is currently the center of attraction among the cricket fraternity, thanks to his heroics with both bat and ball in India's win against Pakistan in an Asia Cup 2022 thriller on Sunday (August 28).
Hardik held his nerves under pressure to pull off a miraculous victory for India against Pakistan. The all-rounder scored 33* runs off 17 balls and earlier had taken three wickets in the Men in Blue's five-wicket win over Pakistan in the second match of the Asia Cup 2022 in Dubai.
Following his player of the match show, former Pakistan head coach Mickey Arthur compared the Indian all-rounder with South Africa's legendary all-rounder Jacques Kallis, saying having Hardik in the team is equivalent to having an extra player in the playing eleven.
As reported by ESPNcricinfo, Mickey Arthur stated: “Hardik Pandya in the side means it’s almost like India are playing with 12 players. It reminds me of my time back in South Africa when we had Jacques Kallis. You have a guy who can be one of your four seamers and bat in your top-five.”
He added, “I have seen Hardik mature and mature and his leadership in the last IPL was outstanding. He managed his team very well and played so well under pressure.”
Notably, India will next face Hong Kong in their final group match of Asia Cup 2022 on August 31 in Dubai.
