‘Hardik can be close to Stokes in 2 years’

NEW DELHI: A game-changer in his hey-days, South African all-rounder Lance Klusener foresees India’s Hardik Pandya closing in on someone like Ben Stokes if the team management can be “patient” with him for the next two years at least.
“Among current all-rounders in world cricket, Ben Stokes is right up there. There are a few who have come and gone in recent times as well but certainly, a guy like Pandya, give him a year or two at this level, there is no reason why he can’t be one of the best all-rounders out there,” Klusener told PTI in an interview here Wednesday.
Klusener, who is in the city as senior Delhi team’s consultant coach for the Vijay Hazare Trophy, spoke at length about Pandya’s all-round abilities which have come under the scanner after his largely disappointing show in England.
“I think we must be careful while making comparisons. Everybody wants to compare Hardik to the great Kapil Dev. Hardik is his own cricketer. Of course, he has got some learning to do. I guess Hardik’s success will be based on how much he is able to learn,” Klusener said. The 1999 World Cup player of the tournament said Pandya has a fine support system to hone him.
“I think he is in great hands in that Indian set-up. I think people just need to be a bit more patient with him. I hope he is allowed to grow and develop,” said Klusener. Klusener feels that it’s a seam bowling all-rounder, who makes the difference in a good team. (PTI)