India need to exercise patience with Hardik Pandya, he has only led in the IPL so far: Robin Uthappa

Former India cricketer Robin Uthappa has defended T20I skipper Hardik Pandya as the latter has received harsh criticism after losing the first two matches against the West Indies. After the second T20I, former India players including Wasim Jaffer criticized Hardik for not bowling out Yuzvendra Chahal, despite the leg-spinner dragging India back into the game. Notably, the all-rounder did not address his decision, instead blaming the batters for the dismal performance.

With the third T20I of the five-game series set to be contested at the Providence Stadium on Tuesday (August 8), stated that India must be patient with Hardik. The 37-year-old also stated that the all-rounder's performance has been above standard so far in the series, with the exception of one blunder.

"I think Hardik has led well so far, barring the error in judgment by not bowling Yuzi (Yuzvendra) Chahal after he got three wickets (two wickets and a run-out) in the previous over in the second T20I. He has done exceptionally well with the bat. He has done well with the ball as well," Uthappa said while previewing the third T20I on Jio Cinema.

Hardik is taking the responsibility up as a bowler: Uthappa

Uthappa went on to suggest that Hardik Pandya has stepped up as a bowler and picked up wickets in the ongoing series. He added that one has to exercise patience with someone like Hardik as he has only served as the captain in the Indian Premier League.

"He is taking the responsibility up as a bowler and picked up wickets as well, got the team off to a great start in the second T20I. Having said that, you also have to exercise patience with someone like him, simply because he has only led in the IPL so far," Uthappa added.

He urged the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the fans to be patient with the 29-year-old all-rounder due to his lack of international experience.

"It takes a little bit of time for that to happen and I think it will be wise for the team management and also for us as supporters of the Indian team to exercise some patience for him to come in and shine through as a leader," the 37-year-old concluded.