South Africa vs India 2018: 5 reasons why Kohli's penchant for Hardik Pandya is disturbing India's balance
There has been a perpetual theory in cricket according to which an all-rounder is ranked. 'He must be able to make the team as a specialist batsman or bowler, the other facet is an added advantage'.
However, with the upsurge of limited overs cricket, especially T20, there has been a profusion of 'bits and pieces' cricketers. This species of cricketers may not be able to make the team on the basis of their core competency but somehow fit in the team on grounds of value addition.
Hardik Pandya is one such player, who is the product of India's long search of a quality pace bowling all-rounder. Very early in his career, he has been tagged alongside one of the greatest all-rounders of all time, Kapil Dev. He has not fared too badly in South Africa till now but is he doing enough for the team? Probably not.
This article presents 5 arguments that elaborate on the above premise.
#1 One-time wonder?
Hardik Pandya announced his arrival in South Africa by notching up an explosive 93 in the first innings of the opening Test to bail India out of trouble. Along with that, he also picked up three wickets in Cape Town. But his performance has ebbed as the tour has moved forward.
In the first innings at Newlands as well, he played and missed a number of times. He was also dropped by Dean Elgar in the slips when he was new at the crease. His attacking style may have worked once but it may not take him too far. After all, it is Test cricket.