Kapil impressed with India’s pace pack, says Pandya has potential

With India set for challenging Test tours to South Africa and England early next year, all-rounder Hardik Pandya’s actual worth would be monitored closely.

Pandya debuted in the first Test against Sri Lanka at Galle where he smashed a quickfire 50 to provide India the late push. He also took one wicket as India won convincingly. In the second Test in Colombo, Pandya scored 20 and claimed a couple of wickets.

India’s legendary all-rounder Kapil Dev has no doubt about Pandya’s ability to deliver in South Africa and England conditions. “He has the ability but he has to keep on performing,” said Kapil on the sidelines of a promotional event here on Thursday.

India skipper Virat Kohli had recently drawn a parallel between Pandya and England all-rounder Ben Stokes. “At home, it has been different but when you play away, one guy gives you a lot of balance. I think Hardik can be that guy going ahead, especially playing so much cricket away from home. He brings in a great balance as an all-rounder. I see no reason why Hardik can’t become that for India,” Kohli had said.

Kapil was also delighted with the consistent performances of Indian pacers. “I am very happy because we have reached a stage where we have started to depend on our fast bowlers. There was a time when we didn’t have many fast bowlers. The people who are sitting out could have played for India any day,” Kapil said. Bhuvneshwar Kumar also has not played a Test in Sri Lanka.