Hardik Pandya’s match-winning performance in the first T20I against Bangladesh has been a major talking point. He scored an unbeaten 39 from just 16 balls, wrapping up the game with two consecutive fours followed by a six.
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He also bowled 1/26 in his four overs, which helped India seal an easy win. However, former India pacer RP Singh is not entirely impressed. He suggested that Pandya’s performance should not be overestimated because of Bangladesh's below-par showing.
What did RP Singh say on Hardik Pandya's innings?
RP Singh raised doubts on Pandya’s impressive knock against a team like Bangladesh, which he felt was not playing at their best.
"I think using a performance against Bangladesh to judge a player's form is not right. The way they are playing, it is not at the highest level at the moment. Hardik did well, he is capable of doing things like that. But using a performance against this team as a criterion in my opinion is not right. Do that maybe against a better team or in a better competition," RP Singh said.
According to Singh, performances against stronger opponents would be a better measure of Pandya’s form.
"There are times when you feel free because you know that the team is close to victory and there isn't too many runs left to score. Bangladesh did not create a situation where he had to make a match or finish it," he added.
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Despite his reservations about the batting performance, Singh acknowledged the positive aspects of Pandya’s bowling. He highlighted that Pandya completing his full four overs is a good sign, especially considering past concerns about his fitness and ability to contribute with both bat and ball.
"What is good to see is that Hardik Pandya is bowling four overs. There was always a question as to whether he can bowl his full quota or not but he is doing that well now. His batting was always good, where he has improved is in his bowling and fitness. Performance solely against Bangladesh shouldn't have us too excited. There are a lot of real tests still to come," he added.
While Pandya's contribution in the win was important, RP Singh urged caution in overhyping his performance, pointing out that it was against an underperforming Bangladesh team.
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