"Much like what Dhoni did for many years" - Shaun Pollock's massive statement on Team India star after IND vs SA 2025 1st T20I

India v Australia - T20I: Game 1 - Source: Getty
Team India has struggled to identify a reliable finisher in the white-ball formats since MS Dhoni's retirement [Credit: Getty]

Former South African captain Shaun Pollock hailed Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya for his ability to absorb pressure and play the finisher role to perfection after the first T20I against South Africa in Cuttack. Pollock also compared Hardik's ability to take the game deep and propel the team across the line to that of the legendary MS Dhoni.

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In his comeback game from an injury layoff, the veteran all-rounder walked into bat with India in trouble at 78/4 in the 12th over. However, Hardik remained unfazed by the situation and scored a game-changing 59* off 28 deliveries, including six boundaries and four maximums.

His heroics helped India reach a formidable total of 175/6 in 20 overs on a tricky surface.

Talking about Hardik Pandya after the match on Cricbuzz, Pollock said (13:18):

"I think he has aspirations of batting at 3 or 4, as we've seen when he has been in charge at the IPL. But his best job is at the back end. He's a destructive hitter and has the mindset to take the pressure on himself. Much like what Dhoni did for many years, where they prepare to take it deep. They don't panic too early and are prepared to back their skills and abilities."
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He added:

"Even with all the batting India have got, not a lot of people have got that mindset that they like the challenge of trying to get the team over the line or out of trouble. That's why this is his best batting position, where his real strengths come out. Not saying you can't have an innings, where if you get off to a good start, you can't promote him and see what he can do. But I think he thrives under the situation where the team is in trouble, and the team needs him to get them over the line, and he produces."
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Hardik also chipped in with the ball, dismissing dangerman David Miller for just one in the South African run-chase. The hosts eventually completed a thumping 101-run win to take a 1-0 series lead.

"Only a matter of time before he starts to click" - Shaun Pollock on Suryakumar Yadav's form

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Shaun Pollock backed Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav to break out of his extended batting slump. The right-hander scored only 12 in the series opener against the Proteas, making it 16 innings without a half-century in T20Is this year.

"If you ask teams around the world, they know Surya and how destructive he can be. So there is that fear factor when he walks to the crease. Even if he's not getting runs, it's only a matter of time before he starts to click," said Pollock (via the aforementioned source).

Surya averages a dismal 15.07 in 18 T20Is this year with a strike rate of 126.45. Despite his struggles with the bat, Team India has remained dominant under him in the shortest format, winning 14 out of their 16 completed matches this year.

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Edited by Venkatesh Ravichandran
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