Former Indian cricketer RP Singh has urged fans to temper their excitement regarding Hardik Pandya’s impressive return to the national team during the first T20I against Bangladesh. While Pandya showcased his skills with a quick-fire 39 runs off just 16 balls and bowled effectively, Singh emphasised the importance of context when assessing such performances.
In the match, Hardik displayed his aggressive batting style, striking several innovative shots that captivated fans. He also bowled four overs, taking one wicket while conceding only 26 runs, further demonstrating his all-round capabilities. However, Singh cautioned against drawing conclusions from this performance alone, given the current state of the Bangladesh team.
“Judging someone’s true form based on a performance against the Bangladesh team might not be the right approach, in my opinion,” Singh stated during a virtual press conference for JioCinema and Sports18. He highlighted that Bangladesh is not currently at their best, which may have affected the challenge presented to the Indian players.
Singh emphasised that the true measure of Hardik’s form will emerge when the Indian team faces tougher opponents. He noted, “The real test will come when there’s better competition, where the stakes are higher.” Singh pointed out that players often perform with more freedom when they feel confident about winning, as was the case in this match against Bangladesh.
He suggested that the lack of a challenging situation from the opposition can lead to inflated perceptions of a player’s performance. “Bangladesh didn’t create that challenging situation,” Singh added, indicating that future matches will provide a clearer picture of Hardik’s capabilities.
Despite his reservations, Singh acknowledged the positive aspects of Hardik’s performance, particularly his bowling. “The good thing about Hardik Pandya is that he is bowling four overs consistently. There’s always been that question mark over whether Hardik can bowl four full overs, and he’s handling that well,” Singh noted. This consistency in bowling is crucial for Pandya, especially as an all-rounder.
Singh praised Hardik’s fitness improvements and overall performance, stating, “His batting has always been good. He has worked on his fitness and his bowling, completing his overall performance.” However, he reiterated that fans should wait for more competitive encounters to gauge Hardik’s true form.
As the Indian team prepares for the second T20I against Bangladesh, scheduled for October 9, 2024, Singh’s insights serve as a reminder for fans to maintain realistic expectations. The upcoming match will be another opportunity for Hardik and the team to showcase their skills, but Singh’s call for caution underscores the unpredictable nature of cricket, especially when facing varying levels of competition.