Momentum, Strike-rate and Run rate drop when Hardik Pandya comes out to bat: Wasim Jaffer

Former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer raised concern over captain Hardik Pandya’s slow strike rate.

The outcome of the recently concluded T20I series between India and West Indies has left cricket enthusiasts pondering the performance of the Indian team. Amidst this, former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer has shared his perspective on the challenges faced by Hardik Pandya, the charismatic all-rounder, following India’s loss in the series. Jaffer’s remarks bring into focus the fluctuations in Pandya’s strike rate and the broader implications for the team.

The T20I series, in which India lost 2-3 to West Indies, magnifies the significance of addressing player concerns. Suryakumar Yadav’s valiant 61 runs and a cameo from Tilak Varma were the bright spots in India’s batting, setting a target of 166 runs. However, West Indies responded powerfully, with an unbeaten 85-run innings from Brandon King and a strong partnership between Nicholas Pooran and Shai Hope.

‘Whenever he comes, the momentum, strike rate, and run rate drop’: Wasim Jaffer on Hardik Pandya

The T20I series witnessed a sequence of matches that kept fans on the edge of their seats. However, one factor that stood out was the declining strike rate of Hardik Pandya in crucial moments. Jaffer, in his analysis, highlighted this concern, stating,

“It has been a concern (Pandya’s strike rate). We have talked about it. He looks a little rusty. We cannot see that free-flowing Hardik, who comes in and strikes the ball sweetly. It does not mean hitting sixes, but hitting it nicely and rotating the strike. In that fifty in the third ODI, he started slowly but picked up later; over there, he looked rusty,” said Wasim Jaffer.

This assertion draws attention to Pandya’s inability to deliver his trademark explosive performance, leading to questions about his form and its impact on the team’s fortunes.

During that partnership with Shubman Gill, Pandya started slow. Thus, Gill also struggled at the other end and got out. It is concerning how he has been batting. Not every time he is going to start slowly and finish strongly. Whenever he comes, the momentum, strike rate, and run rate drop, and it puts pressure on others. It is something for him to worry about, take note of, and improve,” said Jaffer to ESPNCricinfo.

In the aftermath of India’s T20I series loss to West Indies, Wasim Jaffer’s thoughtful insights provide a window into the challenges faced by Hardik Pandya and the team. The declining strike rate for Pandya serves as a reminder of the volatility inherent in sports, even for the most skilled players. Jaffer’s observations emphasize the need for adaptability in team strategies and the crucial role played by team management in guiding players through challenging phases.

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