Hardik Pandya will need the correct attitude, says Irfan Pathan
At the launch of yet another cricket academy in the country, India all-rounder Irfan Pathan discussed the concept of Indian pace bowling all-rounders in a short interaction with Sportskeeda in Bangalore. While inaugurating the Cricket Academy of Pathans (CAP) in the city, he mentioned the facilities, including the foreign hand of former India coach Greg Chappell, that will be provided to the aspiring cricketers.
In addition to that, Irfan took time out to advise the young boys who were present at the launch as to how to approach the game in the future, encouraging them while they batted and bowled in the nets. The humble all-rounder spoke about Hardik Pandya, who hails from Baroda, discussing what crucial factors he will have to consider in the near future.
Following is his short interaction with Sportskeeda:
Pace bowling all-rounders have struggled in the past in India. So what scope do you see for them in the future?
Firstly, it is not easy being a pace bowling all-rounder, especially after looking at someone like Kapil Dev. I find it really surprising when someone is compared to him because finding an all-rounder like him is not possible. But what we can do in India is nurture upcoming all-rounders. While we don't have too many pace bowling all-rounders, we have a lot of options in terms of spin bowling all-rounders.
Where do you see Hardik Pandya five years down the line?
Where he finds himself in the future will depend on his attitude, how he handles himself and his fitness. These are the things that will take him forward in the future and help him reach where he wants to. The good thing to notice is the support that he has been getting from the team management, which is very important, because for any player to be groomed, he needs full support from the staff, something which Pandya has been getting.