Former cricketer and turned commentator Scott Styris strikes a similarity between Hardik Pandya and Ben Stokes ahead of the Ind vs SL first T20I. The first T20I between India and Sri Lanka will take place in the Pallekele Stadium in Kandy, Sri Lanka.
Hardik Pandya currently stands in sixth position in the ICC T20 All-Rounder Rankings. The 30-year-old cricketer’s latest appearance for India was in the T20 World Cup 2024 finale against South Africa. The T20 World Cup 2024 had several moments of Hardik Pandya shining in the competition. The all-rounder proved his belonging in the squad by his heroics in the finale.
Scott Styris Wants Hardik Pandya To Be a Genuine All-Rounder
Amidst all this, commentator Scott Styris has put forward his views on Hardik Pandya before the much-awaited Ind vs SL first T20I. The 49-year-old commentator believes Hardik Pandya is in the same ability zone as that of England’s renowned all-rounder Ben Stokes. In addition, Scott Styris believes Hardik is a skilled cricketer and has more to offer in comparison to his latest performances. Speaking to PTI, Scott Styris said,
“This champion all-rounder (Pandya) has got as many skills as anyone. He’s probably in a similar ability-zone as someone like Ben Stokes. He’s got much more talent than that (his recent performances). He is a phenomenally skilled cricketer. But he hasn’t quite shown it yet as consistently enough for my liking. So, just let him get out there and just say, you’ve got to lead us now by your performance.”
Scott Styris also emphasized Hardik Pandya’s fitness. The commentator wants the all-rounder to treat his body well and put his best foot forward. Scoot Styris also desires to see Hardik Pandya as a complete all-rounder who performs with both bat and ball. He said,
“I want to see him get his body right and be that dominant all-rounder that we know. Bowling is really hard work and he is someone who’s got all the skills and talent. I want to see him be that genuine all-rounder and as someone whom you can rely on with both bat and ball, not just the odd over here with the ball and come in with a cameo.”
After wrapping up the victorious T20 World Cup 2024, everyone anticipated Hardik Pandya to take over as skipper of the T20 squad. However, Surya Kumar Yadav was selected for the role alongside Shubman Gill as the vice-captain. One of the reasons for Hardik Pandya’s captaincy snub was due to his injury concerns, as stated by chief selector Ajit Agarkar.
The India vs Sri Lanka T20I series will be streaming liv eon Sony LIV app. In addition, the broadcasting rights are with SONY sports network. Match starts from 7:00 PM IST. All of the three T20Is will be played in Pallekele Stadium, Kandy, Sri Lanka.
India Squad: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Ꮪhubman Gill (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rinku Singh, Riyan Parag, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sanju Samson (WK), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, Mohd. Siraj.
Sri Lanka Squad: Charith Asalanka (C), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Janith Perera, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Matheesha Pathirana, Dilshan Madushanka, Asitha Fernando, Binura Fernando.