'No other player like Hardik': Ex-batting coach says he unlocks India's best combination

NEW DELHI: India's long build-up to their T20 World Cup title defence will get its most significant boost this week, and former batting coach Sanjay Bangar believes the return of Hardik Pandya could reshape India's entire blueprint. Calling Pandya a one-of-a-kind cricketer, Bangar said the all-rounder's ability to command selection as a pure batter or as a frontline seamer makes him irreplaceable in the national set-up.

“There is no other player like Hardik Pandya in the Indian team,” Bangar declared on JioStar ahead of India's home series against South Africa.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Bangar pointed out that Hardik's skill-set is as rare as Ben Stokes' for England or Ravindra Jadeja's for India in longer formats. “Does England have a back-up for Ben Stokes? No. In one-day or even Test cricket, there is no back-up for Ravindra Jadeja.

It is the same with Hardik Pandya,” he said. “He can command a spot in the top five on his batting alone. He could also be one of the top three seamers in any team if he was just a bowler.

To be that kind of all-rounder, you must earn your place with your batting and also with your bowling.”

Pandya, out for more than two months with a quadricep injury suffered during the Asia Cup, signalled his return with a 42-ball 77 for Baroda in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and bowled four overs at full tilt.

Bangar stressed that Hardik's availability directly unlocks India's most balanced XI because it allows the team to deploy their preferred spin options without compromising batting depth. “A fit Hardik Pandya allows the team to play its desired combination, especially with the spin options we have. That's why his presence is critically very vital,” he said, while adding that workload management will still be required.

“We need to see how he copes. Playing SMAT is different from international intensity. If needed, we must manage his workload, but he should at least play the first three matches.”

Pandya won't be the only returnee, with vice-captain Shubman Gill also set to feature after recovering from a neck spasm. Bangar praised Gill's evolution, noting that his added responsibility at the Test level has elevated his temperament. “More than his skill, his mindset has grown.

Taking extra responsibility as a Test captain makes him a far more rounded player,” he said, backing Gill to flourish at the top in T20Is.Bangar also weighed in on selection calls lower down the order and admitted that

Sanju Samson

may struggle to find a place. “With players like Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube or Hardik Pandya available, there may not be a place for him at four, five or six,” he said, pointing instead to

Jitesh Sharma

's impact. “Jitesh Sharma has shown he can bat lower down and hit with an older ball. I think Jitesh will now get the number seven spot.”As India's T20 plans finally begin to take shape, Bangar's assessment leaves little doubt: the one player who may hold all the pieces together is Hardik Pandya.