New Delhi, Dec 17 (NationPress) Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar underscored the significant impact of Hardik Pandya with both bat and ball, asserting that the Men in Blue have gained immensely from the all-rounder’s skills.

Pandya made his return to competitive cricket earlier this month after a two-month hiatus due to an injury sustained during the Asia Cup semi-final in September. He quickly made his mark in the game for the Men in Blue, playing an essential role in the team’s victories against South Africa in the current five-match T20I series.

In an interview with JioStar, Bangar praised Pandya, emphasizing the Baroda cricketer’s distinctive batting style and his value as a bowling asset in T20 cricket. He stated, “Going deep inside the crease is Hardik Pandya’s forte.”

“Even when he positions himself deep, his weight remains on the front foot, which is very advantageous. As a batter, we always advise being patient for the ball. He maintains a wide base that enables him to generate substantial power,” he added.

“He is capable of executing front-foot shots, back-foot shots, baseball-style hits, lofted shots, and upper cuts. His ability to play both sides of the ground is truly special. He bowls at about 132–133 kmph with a fuller length, with nearly 54 percent of his deliveries being pitched up, from which he captures wickets. He allows the ball to swing, and when necessary, he employs yorkers. The Indian team has greatly benefited from his skills,” he continued.

Bangar also highlighted Abhishek Sharma's bold approach, focusing on the technical aspects that empower the young batter to excel against bowlers. He noted, “Primarily, it’s his aggressive mindset. If he sees a delivery outside the off stump, he attacks it forcefully. A crucial feature of his batting is his high backlift. Holding the bat above the handle grants him exceptional reach. The swing he generates allows him to hit enormous sixes, particularly over the covers, which is a remarkable skill. He doesn’t try to hit from below, which gives him an extraordinary range.”

Shifting focus to Shubman Gill, Bangar acknowledged the Indian opener’s form while pointing out areas for improvement, especially against straight deliveries.

“Initially, his footwork was very assertive. However, if you disregard three or four boundaries over 28 matches, the challenge has been against straighter lines. His strike rate has dipped quite low against straight deliveries. But outside the off stump, his strike rate remains robust, although there have been a few edges,” he noted.

“In general, he has been scoring runs, but enhancing his straight-line play is essential. In the second game, the delivery that dismissed him was a superb one—it could have gotten any batter out. His footwork has progressed, and if he keeps playing with clear footwork, he will consistently hit the same shots, like the three or four boundaries we’ve observed,” he added.

While India has held an advantage in the series thus far, Bangar warned against underestimating South Africa, particularly with the conditions in Lucknow, stating, “The way this series has unfolded, South Africa has battled effectively in every format. On the Lucknow pitch, there’s bounce and seam, and South Africa’s fast bowlers will aim to make early breakthroughs. India must be ready for that challenge.”

With India leading 2–1 in the five-match T20I series against South Africa, all eyes are now on Lucknow for the fourth game, as both teams prepare to clash at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.