What does Hardik Pandya consider himself in front of Kapil Dev, said a big deal on this comparison

I am nowhere near the former Indian captain – Hardik

In such a situation, his all-rounder skills have often compared him with the great Kapil Dev, then it is not surprising. However, Pandya believes that he is nowhere close to the former Indian captain.

Pandya has been appointed as the vice-captain of Team India for the South Africa T20Is. He said that he would consider himself lucky if he could do even 5 per cent of Kapil on the field.

Didn’t get even five percent of Kapil Dev

Speaking on the SG podcast, the 27-year-old said it is the job of the experts to make comparisons and he would like to focus on his game.

“I have refused (compare Kapil Dev) very respectfully because I don’t think I am close to him. I have always mentioned what he did and the era in which he did, that I still haven’t achieved even five percent of Kapil Dev. So, for me, it is the job of people and pundits to make comparisons.”

Hardik has come back after getting fit with great difficulty

After a stellar start to his career across all formats, Hardik was pushed back due to a back injury. He could not bowl at full strength for three years. Earlier this year, he decided to take some time off from professional cricket and fit himself in at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru.

All-rounder Hardik Pandya was seen in IPL

He then returned in a completely different avatar in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022. He batted brilliantly throughout the season and also showed the ability to bowl the full quota of 4 overs in almost every game. The pace of the balls was also like a pure fast bowler. And finally, he led his team Gujarat Titans to their first title win.

I can’t come close to Kapil Dev

Re-fitted, Hardik Pandya is back in the Indian dressing room against the Proteas and has trained himself well under the watchful eye of head coach Rahul Dravid.

Hardik said, “For me, I am just Hardik Pandya trying to get better. I can’t get close to Kapil Dev at the end of the day. He has been the greatest cricketer ever. His take on the game. Had an impact… from bowling to batting and fielding, so yes, that comparison ends on my side. It’s still up to the people but I myself will deny it.”