"Do that maybe against a better team or in a better competition" - RP Singh dismisses Hardik Pandya's knock in 1st Ind-Ban T20I 2024

Former pacer RP Singh dismissed all-rounder Hardik Pandya's blistering knock during the first T20I between India and Bangladesh, calling neither the situation nor the opponent an ideal yardstick. Chasing a mere 128 for victory, Pandya came into bat with India at 80/3 in the eighth over on October 6.

The 30-year-old tore apart the Bangladesh attack, scoring a quickfire 16-ball 39* with five boundaries and two maximums to help India win by seven wickets in the 12th over.

Speaking to JioCinema (as quoted by Hindustan Times), RP Singh suggested that using a performance against Bangladesh to judge a player might be less than ideal.

"I think using a performance against Bangladesh to judge a player's form is not right. The way they are playing, it is not at the highest level at the moment. Hardik did well, he is capable of doing things like that. But using a performance against this team as a criterion in my opinion is not right. Do that maybe against a better team or in a better competition," RP Singh said.

He added:

"There are times when you feel free because you know that the team is close to victory and there isn't too many runs left to score. Bangladesh did not create a situation where he had to make a match or finish it."

Hardik has been in outstanding form with the bat in T20Is this year, averaging 53.50 at a strike rate of 164.61 in 11 matches.

His cameos at the back end of the innings were a key reason behind India's triumph in the recent T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the USA.

"What is good to see is that Hardik Pandya is bowling four overs" - RP Singh

Hardik bowled his full quota of overs in the 1st Bangladesh T20I [Credit: Getty]

RP Singh lauded Hardik Pandya for his bowling effort against Bangladesh, especially for completing his four-over quota.

Hardik bowled in the powerplay and at the death, finishing with excellent figures of 1/26 in four overs.

"What is good to see is that Hardik Pandya is bowling four overs. There was always a question as to whether he can bowl his full quota or not but he is doing that well now. His batting was always good, where he has improved is in his bowling and fitness. Performance solely againts Bangladesh shouldn't have us too excited. There are a lot of real tests still to come," RP Singh said in the same interview.

Hardik Pandya has been in terrific bowling form in T20Is this year, picking up 14 wickets at an average of 20.07 in 11 outings. His spell of 3/20 in the 2024 T20 World Cup final against South Africa played a massive role in India's come-from-behind victory.