Hardik Pandya, the standout all-rounder for India, is becoming more and more respected as a bowler with each match that goes by. The 28-year-old just claimed his 50th T20I wicket during the third T20I match against the West Indies in Basseterre. The Indian star discussed his rebirth as a bowler and thinks that his addition as the third seamer gives the team greater balance.
Since returning from his back injury, Hardik has become one of the Indian team's most consistent bowlers. The aggressive all-rounder believes that he can bowl four overs in a match as a third or fourth seamer rather than a filler, as he previously did, and has completed his four over allotment in each of the three games in the series.
"Yes, I used to bowl before. I used to be a filler in between when someone is not bowling well. I can probably say I can bowl four overs now as a third seamer or a fourth seamer where I can contribute equally as I do with the bat," Hardik said after India's win over West Indies in the 3rd T20I that gave them a 2-1 series lead.
"Obviously, I've enjoyed bowling," Hardik said. "Again I've mentioned multiple times, that was the reason I felt I should take some time off to make sure my bowling comes off because I've realised when I bowl, it gives a lot of balance to the side; it gives a lot of confidence to the captain.
‘Whenever I’ve taken the responsibility, it has added some more flair to my game’ : Hardik Pandya
On Tuesday, Hardik bowled a stunning four-over stretch for 1 for 19, giving India their first victory of the match when he took out Brandon King in the opening over. His subsequent three overs in the middle overs significantly aided India in tying down the hosts since the West Indies hitters found it difficult to handle his variations. West Indies were at 77 for 1 in 12 overs when Hardik concluded his stint, which had 10 dots. They needed a late-order surge to get their final score of 164 for 5, which turned out to be insufficient on the given day.