Hardik Pandya is all set to become the best all-rounder in the contemporary cricket across format this year. Well, many people may still have some apprehensions regarding that, but I don’t. After watching Pandya’s gutsy knock of 93 (95b, 14x4s, 1×6) against the fiery South African bowling attack on bouncy track of Newlands, Cape Town, more words would be less to describe the right hander’s immense cricket talents.

Hardik Pandya – the best all-rounder in the world

Co-incidentally, Hardik Pandya’s trait and fearlessness is something that we already witnessed in the past. Yes, we saw Kapil Dev in the late 80s era. Until now, we haven’t got a quality all-rounder like him in more than the last three decades. Keeping in mind Hardik’s awesomeness, has our search for Kapil Dev 2.0 ends now?

Also Read: India tour of South Africa 2018: Schedule, Preview & Live Streaming

Hardik’s wonderful knock of 93 runs yesterday came on the very day when we celebrate Kapil Dev’s Birthday. So, it was indeed a double bonanza for fans to witness such a fantastic knock from the 24-Year-old on that special occassion.

Is Hardik Pandya, the next Kapil Dev in the making?

Statistically, speaking, Kapil Dev is way ahead than Pandya. But we are at least happy that Pandya’s flamboyance on the field is similar to that of Kapil Dev’s aura. Haryana Hurricane scored 608 runs in his first 32 ODIs, while Pandya smashed 602 runs in as many matches.

The 59-year-old recorded 34 wickets while the Baroda athlete scalped 35 wickets in their first 32 50-over matches. However, when it comes to Test Cricket, Kapil Dev is a legend. His bowling was way ahead and lethal than Pandya. Maybe, Pandya too is concentrating on his bowling line and length but it will take time.

Playing his fourth international test, and notching a brilliant 93-run-knock against quality South African bowling, that too in his first innings in South African safari is indeed incredible. What made Pandya’s knock more poignant was the fact that India were faltering at 92 for 7, but his knock bailed India out of trouble taking the score 200-par.

International Career of Hardik Pandya

Batting Career Summary

Bowling Career Summary

Hardik Pandya: The name is not enough, we want more!

Pandya cares none. When I say none, it also means “no one”; whether you are James Anderson, Rabada or the lethal Dale Steyn. When Hardik Pandya is playing, his shots will have the last laugh – some racing past towards boundary rope while others might land in the hand of audience. Such is the charm of this gentleman.

Just within a few months, from being a “layman”, the Gujarati lad’s status has now elevated to “the man”. It clearly indicates Pandya’s growing popularity and importance in the team across formats. The sad part is despite exhibiting his brilliant all-round performances across formats on a consistent basis, Pandya is yet to receive the due recognition that he well deserves. He is currently 13^th ranked ODI all-rounder, and nowhere in the top-20 of test and ODIs. Obviously, he needs to play better and stay focused.

In 2017, Pandya piled up 557 runs in 19 ODI Innings with 31 ODI-Wickets to his credit. No doubt, Hardik Pandya era has just begun and we should relish each moment of it. With averages of 67 and 33 in tests and ODIs respectively alongside his inherent knack of picking wickets, no doubt, Pandya Senior is the next big thing in Indian cricket.

Some equates him to Kapil Dev, while some call him the second Lance Klusener, but we all know he is Hardik Pandya. He copies none and has a unique style of playing. Captain Virat Kohli has enormous faith in his abilities, and might promote his batting order in the ongoing Freedom Series.

Best all-rounder operating today. Without a doubt.

Tags: All-rounder, Cricketer, Hardik Pandya, India, Kapil Dev