Hardik Pandya will return to action for India in the five-match T20I series against South Africa, starting June 9 in Delhi.

The all-rounder’s last appearance for India was during the T20 World Cup in UAE last year. He was struggling with fitness and not being able to bowl his quota of overs.

 However, Hardik made a staggering comeback in the IPL 2022, captaining Gujarat Titans (GT) to the title victory in their maiden season. He led the side from the front, scoring 487 runs and claiming 8 wickets in the tournament.

Ahead of the South Africa T20Is, GT head coach Ashish Nehra heaped praise on Pandya, saying the all-rounder can be India's all-format player just on the basis of his batting skills.

“We always talk about Hardik Pandya, whether he will be able to bowl or not. See, what I think is that Pandya can fit into any format as a batsman; even in Test matches. But here, we are talking about T20s. If he bowls, it will obviously be beneficial for India,” Nehra said on Cricbuzz.

Hardik Pandya also won the Player of the Match award in the IPL 2022 final against Rajasthan Royals (RR) as he returned with the figures of 3/17 and played a crucial knock of 34 runs.

Nehra further suggested the Indian team to use Hardik Pandya as a sixth bowler, and added that there shouldn't be pressure on him to bowl his quota of four overs.

“With India's squad composition, they need Hardik Pandya because none of their top-order batters bowl. Hardik is used as a fifth-bowler quite often. If he's fit, he should bowl, no doubt. But it would be better if Hardik plays without the constant pressure of bowling four overs every game. You have to play five bowlers and Hardik Pandya as a sixth bowler,” said Nehra.

“See, I'm not saying Hardik can't be the fifth bowler. With his skills, he can be your second or third bowler as well. But he has recently returned from injury, has played the entire IPL, so it would be better if you build him up slowly,” he remarked.