Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar has lauded Hardik Pandya, calling him a one-of-a-kind player in India’s T20 setup. Bangar emphasised that Pandya is so versatile that he could secure a place in the team either as a specialist batter or a bowler.

Pandya, sidelined for over two months due to a quadriceps injury during the Asia Cup, is set to return for India’s five-match ODI series against South Africa, starting Tuesday in Cuttack.

"Look at all the all-rounders in world cricket. Does England have a back-up for Ben Stokes? No. In ODI or Test cricket, there is no back-up for Ravindra Jadeja. It’s the same with Hardik Pandya," Bangar said on JioStar.

"He can command a spot in the top five purely with his batting. He could also be one of the top three seamers in any team if he played just as a bowler. To be that kind of all-rounder, you must earn your place with both bat and ball. There’s no other player like him in the Indian team."

Bangar stressed the importance of managing Pandya’s workload carefully. He suggested that Pandya should play at least the first three matches against South Africa to gauge his fitness.

"Playing in SMAT is different from international intensity. The team management must manage important players’ workloads, and Hardik is no exception. His presence is critically vital for the team, especially with our spin options," Bangar added.

Before his India return, Pandya showcased his form for Baroda in SMAT, scoring 77 off 42 balls* and bowling four overs for 1/52.

Bangar also highlighted the return of Shubman Gill, who missed almost a month due to a neck spasm. The former coach noted that Gill’s growth as a Test captain will benefit him in all formats.

"Gill’s mindset has grown. Taking responsibility as a Test captain has made him a more rounded player. He now understands game situations better. At the top of the order, Gill could do the job in T20Is, while Hardik can anchor the middle order," Bangar said.

Bangar hinted that Sanju Samson might struggle to find a spot in the T20 side with options like Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, and Hardik Pandya available.

"Jitesh Sharma has proven himself capable lower down the order. He can hit big shots even with an older ball. I think Jitesh will now get the number seven spot," Bangar concluded.

(By PTI Inputs)