Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been consistently performing for India, playing a major role with both bat and ball over the past year or so. He has produced noticeable performances in India’s ongoing T20I series against England, maintaining his accuracy in both batting and bowling departments. Interestingly, he has played a very big role for India in the last three games, bowling as a proper bowler and taking up the responsibility. 

He has been bowling more than before, making him a pivotal figure for India in the upcoming Champions Trophy as well. Pandya has also battled a lot of injuries in the past, having undergone back surgery after the 2019 World Cup, but in recent times he has demonstrated enough positivity in his bowling. Giving his take on Pandya’s performance, former Indian bowler Zaheer Khan stated that Pandya has understood his important role in the team. 

"That's what we've been saying... that if Hardik the bowler comes to the party, then the whole balance of the side changes. Over time, he has been a reluctant bowler, hasn't he? He's been fighting his own battles - injuries, back issues - forcing him to be apprehensive about looking at a bigger role with the ball. But slowly and surely, he's understood over a period of time that it's very important for him to take up that responsibility for the team. And that's very important," Zaheer said on Cricbuzz.

"The numbers are backing that and I'm sure that with time, he's also realised the importance of Hardik the bowler. And it clearly shows now when he's preparing for a series. He is not looking at it in a negative way. That's a great sign. You look at them having 3 spinners, or 4 spinners in the side. They know and trust Hardik enough to do the job," Zaheer said.