Pandya will reach Ben Stokes’ level in two years: Klusener

Former South African cricketer Lance Klusener believes that if the team management shows patience with Hardik Pandya then he will reach the level of Ben Stokes in two years. Klusener claims that everybody wants to compare Pandya with Kapil Dev but Pandya is an own cricketer and he has the potential to become a remarkable all-rounder.

Klusener who as an all-rounder provided immense stability to the South African team during the 1990s sees a lot of potential in the Indian all-rounder. He said that people just need to be a bit patient more patient with Pandya and he also hopes that Pandya is allowed to grow and develop.

Ben Stokes right up there among current all-rounders: Klusener

Kluesener made remarks on the Indian all-rounder during an interaction with the media at Delhi where he is working as a consultant coach for the senior Delhi team in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.

When asked about the current crop of all-rounders, the former South African cricketer said that among current all-rounders in world cricket, Ben Stokes is right up there. He also pointed out that in the recent times there are a few who have come and gone.

Speaking about Pandya, Kluesener said that there is no reason why he can’t be one of the best all-rounders out there if he is given a year or two at this level.

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Kluesener highlights the importance of a seam-bowling all-rounder 

Kluesener claimed that the glue for any team is the seam-bowling all-rounder because it gives a lot more options and Kluesener thinks that India have got the right man. He added that it’s just that how Pandya grows and develops himself. The former cricketer also pointed out that it is easy to criticise but international cricket is tough out there.

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Klusener wants Pandya to work on his defense

At the same time, Kluesener reminded everyone about the Indian all-rounder’s weaknesses. He noted that Hardik needs to have the technique to defend when someone like Virat Kohli is batting at the other end. He believes that the Indian support staff have identified that weakness.

Klusener added that the longer Pandya plays, the longer he will be in that set-up and will realize what a great talent he is.