Indian cricket has been desperate to have players like the duo in the team for a long time; both are genuine all-rounders that add the much-needed impetus at the back end of the innings
India's Hardik Pandya (left) raises his bat as MS Dhoni looks on during the first ODI against Australia in Chennai yesterday. Pic/AFP
No two cricketers in the current Indian squad can be so far apart from each other than Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Hardik Pandya. But amongst all the differences between them is an uncanny connection.
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Indian cricket has been desperate to have players like the duo in the team for a long time. Both of them are genuine all-rounders that add the much-needed impetus at the back end of the innings.
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In Chennai where India won by 26 runs, the pair showed their value to Indian cricket by sharing a 118-run stand to rescue India from 87 for five. It was the master with the apprentice. For Pandya, it was a lesson on how to build an innings.
For the initial phase of their partnership, they pushed and nudged, hitting only two boundaries between Over No. 22 and 36. Throughout that period, they exchanged plenty of conversations mid-pitch before Dhoni finally gave Pandya the license to thrill.
For the next 21 balls, Pandya sent the Chennai crowd into raptures by belting 48 runs, including five sixes and three fours. It was a sight to behold; it was the like watching Dhoni during his prime but this was Pandya's time.
Like Dhoni at his peak, Pandya hit balls nice and straight. Once he starts hitting, boundary riders are mere spectators and he backs his ability to clear them at will.
The timing of Pandya's assault ensured Dhoni did not have to take any risks until the end of the innings. It was only after Pandya was dismissed for 83 from 66 balls that Dhoni decided to roll up his sleeve.
In the past year, Dhoni's lack of power hitting in the end overs has been criticised, but yesterday, he showed he still packs the punch when it matters the most. After bringing up his 50 in 75 balls, Dhoni belted 29 from his next 13 balls to ensure India posted a formidable score of 281 for seven.
After scoring his maiden Test century against Sri Lanka recently, Pandya stated, "The one thing I learned from Mahi bhai (Dhoni) is that you see the scoreboard and play accordingly." On the evidence of their partnership yesterday, it is clear that Pandya is learning and learning quickly. Dhoni has already changed the fortunes of Indian cricket and early signs are that Pandya is well on his way to emulating the senior pro.
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