‘The team management must manage the workload…’: Not Jasprit Bumrah, Ex-India coach advises BCCI to manage workload of this superstar
Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar lavished praise on fast bowling all-rounder Hardik Pandya, saying that there is no other player like him in the T20 setup because he is capable of commanding a spot in the team merely as a specialist batter or bowler too.
Bangar praised Hardik Pandya
Hardik, who missed the cricketing action after getting an injury during the Asia Cup 2025, will be seen featuring in the five-match T20I series against South Africa, which will start from December 9.
“Look at all the all-rounders in world cricket now. Does England have a backup for Ben Stokes? No. In one-day or even Test cricket, there is no backup for Ravindra Jadeja. It is the same with Hardik Pandya,” JioStar expert Bangar said.
“He (Pandya) can command a spot in the top five on his batting alone. He could also be one of the top three seamers in any team if he was just a bowler.
“The point is, to be that kind of all-rounder, you must earn your place with your batting and also with your bowling. There is no other player like Hardik Pandya in the Indian team.”
ALSO READ: ‘I’ll make this a headline. We still do value spin’: Australia head coach explains dropping Nathan Lyon in home Test for 1st time in 13 years
ALSO READ: ‘Venkatesh Iyer never looked at us during trials and I thought…’: KKR head coach’s stunning revelation on all-rounder’s attitude in early days
Bangar’s advice to Indian management
Bangar advised the Indian management to manage Hardik’s workload management but the Baroda-born star should play at least the first three matches against South Africa. Before the India return, Pandya made a 42-ball 77 not out for Baroda in SMAT before bowling four overs at full tilt for 1/52.
“We need to see how he copes,” he said, insisting that it is too early to say if he should play six or seven T20Is before the World Cup.
“Playing in the SMAT (Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy) is different from the intensity of an international game. The team management must manage the workload of important players like him.
“So, if needed, we must do that for Hardik too. A fit Hardik Pandya allows the team to play its desired combination, especially with the spin options we have. That’s why his presence is critically very vital.”
Hardik will be seen in action in the five-match T20I series against South Africa. This will be India’s rehearsals for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026. Notably, India will play 10 T20Is before the showpiece event, which will take place in India and Sri Lanka.
