Former Team India cricketer Sanjay Bangar has opened up on the world number one T20I batsman Abhishek Sharma`s attacking mindset, highlighting his high backlift, which provides the Indian opener an excellent reach to the ball.
He also labelled the left-hander`s quality of hitting sixes over covers as “special ability”.
“First of all, it`s his attacking mindset. If there`s a delivery outside the off stump, he hits it very hard. One very important aspect of his batting is his high backlift. He holds the bat above the handle, which gives him excellent reach. Because of the swing he generates, he can hit big sixes, especially over the covers. Hitting sixes over the covers is a special ability. He doesn`t try to hit from below, which gives him an incredible range,” he said.
The former cricketer then shed light on Hardik Pandya`s playing style by saying that the right-hander plays with a wide base, which in turn helps him to generate power.
“Going deep inside the crease is Hardik Pandya`s speciality. Even when he goes that deep, his weight remains on the front foot, which is a very good thing. As a batter, we always encourage waiting for the ball. He plays with a very wide base, which allows him to generate a lot of power. He can play front-foot shots, back-foot shots, baseball-style hits, full shots and the upper cut. He opens up both sides of the ground, which is a special ability,” said Bangar.
He also said that Pandya allows the ball to swing, and the “Men in Blue” have benefited immensely from his abilities with the ball as well.
“He bowls at around 132-133 kmph with a fuller length, where close to 54% of his deliveries are pitched up, and he gets wickets from there. He allows the ball to swing, and when required, he goes for the yorker as well. The Indian team has benefited immensely from his ability,” said the 53-year-old former cricketer.
IND vs SA 4th T20I: Venue
Suryakumar Yadav-led Team India will lock horns against South Africa in the fourth T20I match at the Ekana Cricket Stadium B Ground in Lucknow.
Currently, the hosts are leading the five-match T20I series by 2-1 against the Proteas. The visitors will be eager to secure a win in the fourth clash in order to keep the series alive.
(With ANI Inputs)