Young cricketers always look up to senior and veteran stars of the game for some advice and tips. Even in IPL, one can notice the youngsters flock around players like Kohli, Dhoni and Rohit Sharma. This helps them pick the brains of the players and execute their own game.
It is also sometimes noticed how a veteran player takes a young talent under his wings. Dale Steyn has done that with a young fast bowler like Umran Malik. However, sometimes harsh criticism and belittling of a player can also have a harmful impact. Therefore, a veteran and established player should be very careful before advising youngsters.
Shoaib Akhtar was critical of Pandya
After Gujarat Titans’ phenomenal performance, all have come out in praise of Hardik Pandya’s game and captaincy. He had to sit out the last match against CSK but has been instrumental in all other matches. However, in relation to his injury, Shoaib Akhtar or who is famously known as “Rawalpindi Express” had an interesting take.
He said, “I had told Jasprit Bumrah in Dubai and even Hardik Pandya. They were lean like birds. They didn’t have back muscles. Even now, I have such good strong back muscles behind my shoulders.”
“I touched his (Hardik) back, muscles were there but very lean. So, I warned him that he would get injured. But he said that he has been playing a lot of cricket. He got injured in the same match” he added.
His current views on Hardik Pandya
Akhtar said that if rates Hardik Pandya very highly. He believes that if he is able to take care of his fitness and endurance then he has the ability to become the “biggest brand” in India. He also feels that he has it in him to lead the T20 team in the future as he has demonstrated competence while captaining Gujarat in IPL.
He feels that Hardik Pandya wants to become a key player for India and is working hard for it. However, he needs to get his fitness in check to achieve his larger goals.
