Gautam Gambhir rates Hardik Pandya's amazing all-round abilities

Team India clinched the 2025 Champions Trophy in a dominant fashion, with a well-rounded performance across all departments of the game. One of the standout features of India’s success was their squad filled with as many as five all-rounders, providing a balanced mix of batting and bowling depth. However, despite the wealth of all-round options, it was Hardik Pandya who stood out, particularly for his role with the ball. Pandya, who is often known for his explosive batting, was a crucial part of India's bowling attack as well. While the team boasted a plethora of all-rounders, only Pandya could bowl seam up, often being used as the second seamer alongside Mohammed Shami.

Hardik Pandya's ability to strike with the ball in key moments added valuable depth to India's bowling resources. With the bat, Pandya's contributions were vital, especially in finishing games. He played crucial cameos towards the end of innings, often coming in during the death overs to finish off matches for India. His composed and aggressive approach during these moments helped the team cross the line in pressure situations.

Head Coach Gautam Gambhir has expressed his satisfaction with Hardik Pandya’s contributions, particularly in white-ball cricket, highlighting the all-rounder's immense value to the Indian team. Gambhir emphasized that Pandya is one of the rare players who brings a unique combination of skills to the team, making him an invaluable asset in various situations. The coach specifically praised Pandya’s ability to perform under pressure, especially when it comes to delivering big hits at crucial moments in the game.

Pandya’s flexibility and capability to excel in both batting and bowling roles make him a standout player in the modern game. Gambhir pointed out that few players in world cricket possess the skill set Pandya has, noting that his all-round abilities make him a valuable asset in any team. His knack for turning games around, especially with the bat during the death overs, has been a major strength for India, enabling the team to close out matches with confidence.

Gambhir also underscored how rare it is to find players who can seamlessly contribute in multiple departments, and Pandya's ability to offer both firepower with the bat and crucial overs with the ball makes him a rare commodity. With his blend of skill, composure, and adaptability, Pandya’s role in the team has become indispensable, and Gambhir has expressed full confidence in his abilities to continue being a match-winner for India in the future.

“Hardik Pandya is a great player under pressure. There are only two-three players like him in the world. He has the ability to play big shots in difficult times and his impact is fantastic," stated India head coach Gautam Gambhir in a recent interview.