Best Asian ODI XI of the year 2020

Hardik Pandya (IND)

2019 proved to be a hot-and-cold year for the younger Pandya sibling, especially with a recurring series of back injuries that frequently kept him on the side lines. And from the way 2020 started, things weren’t looking much promising this year either.

However, the mercurial Baroda all-rounder turned things in a spectacular fashion; so much so that he slots into the Asia XI with just three matches to his name this year. But in each of those 3-games, Hardik made a big difference with the bat. Playing against Australia in last month’s ODI series, Hardik clobbered 210-runs, striking at over 110.

He is still not quite back to his full bowling form, though, and bowled a total of just 4-overs. Although he did pick up a wicket, and ended at a reasonably good average of 24. But really, Hardik’s utility in this team as the designated finisher is simply unrivalled. Even though he doesn’t offer the same bowling utility as before, Hardik slots in as a no-brainer pick for this team’s four-down batsman.