'Hardik Pandya way above Ben Stokes in T20s' - Shane Watson

Former Australia all-rounder Shane Watson has praised India's star all-rounder Hardik Pandya and mentioned that he (Hardik) is ahead of England’s Ben Stokes in the shortest format of the game.

Both Pandya and Stokes are two of the most lethal power hitters in the format and can win games single-handedly on a given day. People often draw comparisons as to who among the two is better and a bigger match winner.

Hardik has recently been flawless, especially with the bat in hand and put up match winning performances against Pakistan in Asia Cup 2022 and in the recent three-match T20I series against Australia . On the other hand, Stokes has also been an integral part of England's T20I squad and has won them matches on various occasions.

Watson picks between Hardik and Stokes

Former Australian star Watson was a terrific all-rounder himself and has cleared his stance on who among Hardik and Stokes is better. The former star picked Hardik over Stokes considering Hardik as a standout player.

"Hardik is absolutely at the peak of his powers at this moment. It is an absolute treat to watch him play. I love watching fast-bowling all-rounders who steam in and have a real crack. You know, the impact they can have, and they can take the game away from the opposition at any time of the game, whether it is with the bat and ball," Watson told NDTV.

Like Stokes, Hardik is also a fast-bowling all-rounder, who can change the complexion of the game with his hard-hitting prowess.

"It is really pleasing to see Hardik playing like he is doing right now. And in regard to T20 cricket, Hardik is way above where Ben Stokes is right now. With the way Hardik is batting, his versatility while batting at the end, the way he is bowling. Right now, at this moment, Hardik is the stand-out," he added. Hardik led his Indian Premier League franchise Gujarat Titans to title victory this year in IPL 2022.