Hardik Pandya was not a seam bowling all-rounder at the start of his career

23-year-old stylish all-rounder Hardik Pandya earned his maiden Test cap in the ongoing bilateral series between Indian and Sri Lanka. From domestic cricket to IPL, and then breaking into the national team, it has been quite an exciting journey for the youngster. Hardik along with his brother Krunal Pandya started their cricket career at former Indian wicketkeeper Kiran More’s Academy in Vadodara.

It was at More’s Academy where Hardik had the all-important transformation of his career from a part time spinner to a full-time seam bowler. He started playing first-class cricket for Baroda in 2013 and played a key role in the side’s win in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in the 2013–14 season. Following his domestic success, he made his foray into IPL in 2015 playing for the Mumbai Indians franchise. In the 37 appearances Pandya made, he has scored 406 runs at an impressive strike rate of 142.45 and clinched 10 wickets.

Potential to develop into a good all-rounder

According to OneIndia, speaking about the young-talent his coach Kiran More said, “His leg-spin wasn’t nothing of note. In one of the club matches, we felt short of a fast bowler and asked Hardik whether he can step in. He did and it was surprising to see him bowl at a good pace and getting five wickets. So, we advised him to stick to pace bowling because he has all traits to become a good all-rounder.”

Apart from being able to clock considerable pace with the ball, Pandya also doubles up as a strong-hitter lower down the order. Considering the fact that he belongs to the rare breed of pace bowling all rounders in the country, his skill set could become vital to India’s fortunes in their tours outside of Asia.

Pandya has shown in his brief career displayed great potential and the willingness to constantly learn and improve. In his debut Test, the big-hitter scored his maiden half century in the first innings.