Former Indian opening batter and now a cricket expert, Aakash Chopra, wants star all-rounder Hardik Pandya to bat higher up the order, as he thinks that Hardik can be better utilised in the top order rather than his usual number five position, even ahead of skipper Rishabh Pant because of his ability to score runs at a quick pace.
Hardik came to bat at number five in the first T20I against South Africa and remained unbeaten on 31 runs from 12 balls. During his stay at the crease, he scored three sixes and two fours to help India cross the 200-run mark.
“I feel India should send Hardik Pandya slightly up the order whenever a wicket falls after the 10th to 12th over. If you give him 30 balls to play, he is going to give you a 70 or an 80. He will do something like that. Even can send Hardik Pandya ahead of Rishabh Pant.”
Second game to be played at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack on Sunday.
