Former India all-rounder Sanjay Bangar believes that Hardik Pandya’s comeback to the national squad significantly strengthens India’s balance as they gear up for the T20 World Cup 2026 preparations.
Pandya, who has been recovering from a quadricep injury sustained during the Asia Cup, is set to return to the playing XI during the five-match T20I series against South Africa, beginning Tuesday in Cuttack.
Bangar emphasised that Pandya’s rare skillset makes him irreplaceable in modern cricket.
Look at the all-rounders around the world. England doesn’t have a backup for Ben Stokes.
India doesn’t have a substitute for Ravindra Jadeja in Tests or ODIs. Similarly, there is no other player like Hardik Pandya,” Bangar said on JioStar.
He explained that Pandya’s dual abilities allow him to claim a spot purely as a top-order batter or as a frontline seamer.
Hardik can easily fit into the top five as a batter alone. And if he were just a bowler, he’d still be among the top three seamers in any team.”
Smart Workload Management Key
Having missed two months of international cricket, Pandya has participated only in domestic T20S recently. Bangar stressed that his return must be handled with caution.
The intensity of SMAT is very different from international cricket. The team must manage his workload carefully. I expect him to play around the first three T20Is against South Africa.”
With India relying heavily on their spin depth, Bangar added that Pandya’s availability gives the team the flexibility to field their best possible combination. A fit Hardik Pandya is absolutely vital, and his presence changes the entire balance of the XI.”
India Begins World Cup Preparations
The South Africa T20I series marks the beginning of India’s full-scale preparation for the T20 World Cup 2026, with Hardik Pandya at the centre of the team’s plans as their premier seam-bowling all-rounder.
All eyes will now be on how the star cricketer performs on his much-anticipated return.
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