Kohli loves Pandya, will give him long rope, feels Pollock
14 Feb 2018 4:51 PM GMT
Port Elizabeth: Former South African captain Shaun Pollock feels Virat Kohli sees a bit of himself in Hardik Pandya and predicted a long run for the all-rounder in the Indian team.
"I clearly get the impression that Virat Kohli loves Hardik Pandya's attitude. It's very similar to the way Kohli plays his cricket. And because he loves that attitude there is a good chance that Pandya will get a long run in the side, to settle himself and cement his spot in the team," Pollock said.
South Africa's leading wicket-taker in Tests added, "That's the nature of cricket, if the captain likes the way a player goes about his business then that player will get an extra run (of opportunities)."
Pandya proved to be the fulcrum of India's attack in their 73-run win over South Africa in the fifth ODI here, which paved the way for their maiden series victory in the country.
"I liked Pandya's attitude and approach in the Cape Town Test, the way he played that knock, and he is learning. He will be ultra positive in Indian conditions where he can take on the spinners. Lot of people have got potential, but to take that to the next level is always the key.
"He will learn the art of what he needs to do in England and Australia.
"He still needs to find how he wants to play, mix his aggression with sound technique and if he can get himself in for a period of time then I am sure he can learn."
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