CALCULATED: Hardik Pandya needs to mature a bit more, reckons former England cricketer Tim Bresnan, who expects the Indian all-rounder to play an important role in the next T20 World Cup.
Apart from his exploits with bat and ball, Pandya has also shown his leadership skills since returning from an injury layoff, leading Gujarat Titans to the IPL 2022 title on his debut.
In the recently concluded Asian Cup as well, Pandya showed how crucial he was for the Indian team, when he secured a five-wicket win against Pakistan in the tournament opener.
“Definitely versatile bowling is quite crucial, it balances your team, it gives you two cricketers in one,” Bresnan, 37, who represents LNJ Bhilwara Kings in the second edition of League of Legends Cricket here, PTI said in an interaction.
Pandya has struggled with injuries in the past and the team’s think tank is aware of his workload management, giving him rest for the upcoming T20I South Africa series.
Bresnan pointed out that it’s because of the demanding nature of his position.
“It’s a difficult position to play because you’re always involved in the game, so it’s quite physically demanding. Fast and versatile bowlers are worth their weight in gold.
“Hardik is also very good on the pitch, he’s a very good athlete. He needs to mature a bit more then he will become a top player,” said Bresnan, who retired after playing for 20 years. added.
Bresnan did not follow the Asian Cup and India’s early exit, but picked the side managed by Rohit Sharma as one of the semi-final contenders alongside Australia, New Zealand and England for the T20 World Cup.
“You can never ignore India… But I think England, Australia and New Zealand are probably the three favourites. But India and Pakistan have the same chance and Sri Lanka have very good successful in the Asian Cup, so you never know, whoever brings the day.”
Spearhead of rhythm Jasprit Bumrah is also back after missing the Asian Cup with injury problems and Bresnan believes he will hit his braces right away.
“He’s got real pace, he’s got too much quality to be rusty. He’s too professional, I think he’d be fine for the World Cup,” he said.
As for England, the team led by Jos Buttler will not have an opening Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow, but Bresnan thought they were a well-rounded team.
“We have a very good batting team. If we can keep the seams fit, that will be key for the England team. We have all departments covered.”
Speaking of Test cricket, Bresnan rated James Anderson and Stuart Broad as the best paced attack in world cricket right now, and said their dominance in the recent win over South Africa was the evidence.
Anderson and Broad bagged 24 wickets between them as England sealed a 2-1 series win at home to South Africa last month.
“I think they are the best attack at the moment, probably in all conditions too… They come after a really good run against New Zealand, the one test against India and a really good run against Africa from South.
“They managed to come out on top. It was (against SA) a series where bowling attacks were dominated, it’s always the same in English conditions. They came out on top so you have to say they are the best,” he said.
“Let’s hope Jimmy (Anderson) plays as long as he wants. Broad is getting better and better. He’s four years behind Jimmy in terms of age. They’ll be allowed to decide when that’s enough.”
Returning to the game after about a year, Bresnan is looking forward to being on the field.
“I can’t wait. It’s good to play in front of the Indian fans again. It’s a special place to play cricket, there’s so much commitment and love for the game here. It’s infectious “, said Bresnan, who played two matches at Eden Gardens in 2011, added.
Apart from his exploits with bat and ball, Pandya has also shown his leadership skills since returning from an injury layoff, leading Gujarat Titans to the IPL 2022 title on his debut.
In the recently concluded Asian Cup as well, Pandya showed how crucial he was for the Indian team, when he secured a five-wicket win against Pakistan in the tournament opener.
“Definitely versatile bowling is quite crucial, it balances your team, it gives you two cricketers in one,” Bresnan, 37, who represents LNJ Bhilwara Kings in the second edition of League of Legends Cricket here, PTI said in an interaction.
Pandya has struggled with injuries in the past and the team’s think tank is aware of his workload management, giving him rest for the upcoming T20I South Africa series.
Bresnan pointed out that it’s because of the demanding nature of his position.
“It’s a difficult position to play because you’re always involved in the game, so it’s quite physically demanding. Fast and versatile bowlers are worth their weight in gold.
“Hardik is also very good on the pitch, he’s a very good athlete. He needs to mature a bit more then he will become a top player,” said Bresnan, who retired after playing for 20 years. added.
Bresnan did not follow the Asian Cup and India’s early exit, but picked the side managed by Rohit Sharma as one of the semi-final contenders alongside Australia, New Zealand and England for the T20 World Cup.
“You can never ignore India… But I think England, Australia and New Zealand are probably the three favourites. But India and Pakistan have the same chance and Sri Lanka have very good successful in the Asian Cup, so you never know, whoever brings the day.”
Spearhead of rhythm Jasprit Bumrah is also back after missing the Asian Cup with injury problems and Bresnan believes he will hit his braces right away.
“He’s got real pace, he’s got too much quality to be rusty. He’s too professional, I think he’d be fine for the World Cup,” he said.
As for England, the team led by Jos Buttler will not have an opening Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow, but Bresnan thought they were a well-rounded team.
“We have a very good batting team. If we can keep the seams fit, that will be key for the England team. We have all departments covered.”
Speaking of Test cricket, Bresnan rated James Anderson and Stuart Broad as the best paced attack in world cricket right now, and said their dominance in the recent win over South Africa was the evidence.
Anderson and Broad bagged 24 wickets between them as England sealed a 2-1 series win at home to South Africa last month.
“I think they are the best attack at the moment, probably in all conditions too… They come after a really good run against New Zealand, the one test against India and a really good run against Africa from South.
“They managed to come out on top. It was (against SA) a series where bowling attacks were dominated, it’s always the same in English conditions. They came out on top so you have to say they are the best,” he said.
“Let’s hope Jimmy (Anderson) plays as long as he wants. Broad is getting better and better. He’s four years behind Jimmy in terms of age. They’ll be allowed to decide when that’s enough.”
Returning to the game after about a year, Bresnan is looking forward to being on the field.
“I can’t wait. It’s good to play in front of the Indian fans again. It’s a special place to play cricket, there’s so much commitment and love for the game here. It’s infectious “, said Bresnan, who played two matches at Eden Gardens in 2011, added.