Pandya could be Kapil Dev’s successor: Ian Chappell

New Delhi: Australian great Ian Chappell believes that Hardik Pandya has the ingredients of becoming a match-winning all-rounder the Indian team has always wanted ever since the retirement of the legendary Kapil Dev.

While writing for ESPN Cricinfo, he mentioned, “Hardik Pandya is potentially the fast-bowling allrounder India have craved since Kapil Dev retired.”

The former Australian skipper is also certain of the fact that the 24-year-old Pandya would be successful for India in all conditions in the five-day format.

“A player like Pandya, who has the ability to bat in the top six and also produce deliveries clocked at 140kph, gives a Test side the flexibility that leads to success under all conditions. It affords India the opportunity to field a balanced attack of five bowlers no matter what the conditions,” wrote Chappell.

He also added, “Pandya not only has the skill to perform the role successfully but now that he is achieving consistency at international level, his confidence has soared.”

The all-rounder grabbed the limelight in with his hard-hitting capabilities and useful fast medium bowling in the 2015 IPL. He has been one of India’s rising stars in all the formats that he has played.

His big-hitting exploits took the world by storm when he tonked those huge sixes during the Champions Trophy final against Pakistan earlier this year, where he looked good to take India over the line.

Chappell also wrote, “For India to be regarded as a truly great side, they need to perform well under tough conditions and against extremely competitive opponents like Australia and South Africa. If Pandya can adapt his bowling to succeed in those cauldrons – and there’s no reason he can’t – then India, with a strong batting line-up, are more likely to experience consistent overseas success.”