Team India’s former batting coach Sanjay Bangar praised all-rounder Hardik Pandya ahead of the five-match T20 series against South Africa. The former cricketer said that Pandya is irreplaceable in the white-ball format, as he is good enough to play as a specialist batsman or frontline fast bowler.
Pandya returned to the team after recovering from a left quadriceps injury. He missed the final match of the Asia Cup 2025 against Pakistan, the tour of Australia and the ODI series against South Africa. The all-rounder is set to take his place in the playing eleven in the upcoming T20 series against the Aiden Markram-led side.
There is no other player like Hardik Pandya in the Indian team – Sanjay Bangar
Sanjay Bangar described Hardik Pandya as a unique cricketer. Bangar compared Pandya with England’s Ben Stokes and India’s Ravindra Jadeja. He said that Pandya can be in the top five on his batting alone, while his bowling is good enough to include him among the top fast bowlers.
“There is no other player like Hardik Pandya in the Indian team,” Bangar announced on Geostar ahead of India’s home series against South Africa.
“Does England have any backup for Ben Stokes? No. In ODI or even Test cricket, there is no backup for Ravindra Jadeja. Same with Hardik Pandya,” he said.
“He can make the top five on his batting alone. If he was just a bowler he could be one of the top three seamers in any team. To be that kind of all-rounder, you have to make your mark with your batting as well as your bowling.”
Hardik Pandya allowed the team to play its desired combination – Sanjay Bangar
Hardik Pandya scored 77 runs in 42 balls for Baroda in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and showed that he is close to full fitness again by bowling a spell of four overs.
Sanjay Bangar said that Pandya’s return brings a balance that India often struggles to achieve. With Hardik available, India can field their preferred spin lineup without worrying about weakening the batting.
Bangar further added, “A fit Hardik Pandya allows the team to play its desired combinations, especially with the spin options we have. That is why his presence is extremely important.”
“We need to see how he copes. Playing SMAT is different from international intensity. If necessary, we should manage his workload, but he should play at least the first three matches.”
More than his skills, his mentality has grown – Sanjay Bangar on Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill is also ready to join the team after recovering from neck spasm. Sanjay Bangar said Gill’s experience of leading India in Tests has strengthened his temperament. Bangar also discussed the competition for middle-order places and said that it could be difficult for Sanju Samson to make a place in it.
“More than skills, his mentality has grown. Taking on additional responsibility as a Test captain has made him a much more powerful player,” Bangar said.
“With players like Tilak Verma, Shivam Dubey or Hardik Pandya available, there may not be a place for him at number four, five or six. Jitesh Sharma has shown that he can bat down and hit the old ball. I think Jitesh will get the number seven position now.”
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