Rating Hardik Pandya as one of the best fast-bowling all-rounders, former South African great Lance Klusener believes that the Indian possibly gave up on Test cricket a bit too easily to manage his workload.
Plagued by injuries, Pandya, who last played Tests for India in September 2018, has limited himself to only playing white-ball cricket and ruled himself out of the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia.
Pandya had ruled himself out saying it would not be "ethical" to take someone's place without even contributing 1% in India's journey to the WTC final.
"He (Pandya) is a fantastic cricketer, and if he can stay fit and continues to bowl 135+ kmph, he will always be challenging as one of the best allrounders in the world," Klusener told reporters in a media interaction at the Calcutta Sports Journalists' Club.
Asked if Pandya gave up on Test cricket a bit too easily, Klusener said, “Yes, possibly. Test cricket (is) always the pinnacle of testing where you are as a cricketer, and testing yourselves.”
"Test cricket hasn't really changed much from way back but I also understand that times have moved on as well." Klusener further stated a fast-bowling allrounder is not a "dibbly-dobbler" but someone who can clock 135kph consistently.
Also Read | Hardik Pandya could have been valuable addition for India in WTC final: Ponting
“I honestly believe that a guy like Ben Stokes who bowls 135+, those people are still gold in any form of the game,” said Klusener, a member of the 1999 ODI World Cup team that had a heartbreak loss to Australia in the semi-final.
Though managing the three formats in today's era has contributed to the decline of fast-bowling allrounders, Klusener believes their time will come again. “I always think it goes in cycles. When I played, there were a lot of fast-bowling all-rounders. Then, we kind of saw the all-rounders bowling spin. We might just see in the next five years those kinds of cricketers coming through again. If we manage the workloads correctly, there's still a place for them in any team."
Also Read | Indian bowlers focus on building workload ahead of WTC final against Australia
On the upcoming WTC final that begins at The Oval on June 7, Klusener believes India is well equipped to field a pace or spin-heavy lineup and it will be horses for courses for them.
"Spin has been India's strength traditionally. They have the attack that can play on any surface," he added, when asked whether India should go for two spinners or one pace-bowling allrounder in Shardul Thakur.
“The way the Indian seamers have developed in the last couple of years -- a reason why they play in successive WTC finals, that’s why they are one of the best Test sides in the world.”
“Teams in the past would prepare green tops so India won’t be able to compete, but that’s not the case anymore. I think they are now well equipped, whatever the conditions, they will be able to pick the team that will be competitive,” Klusener said.
Asked about his favourite team to win the WTC final, he said, “It’s a tough call. The battle will be between Australia’s bowlers and India’s batters, the team that wins that battle will come out on top.”
Also Read | WTC final against India is our grand final: Nathan Lyon
Klusener was also all praise for countryman Faf du Plessis, who had another fruitful IPL season finishing second on the run-getters' list behind Shubman Gill.
“Just hats off to Faf for staying fit and for being hungry, contributing (for RCB) in the best T20 competition in the world.”
"He's going to Big Bash (League) now... plays as much as he can. It's phenomenal at this age for him to have the fire inside him, we need to respect that," Klusener appreciated.
Du Plessis had given up on Test cricket following a "breakdown" in his relationship with coach Mark Boucher. However, Klusener believed it was more to do with managing his workload.
"Cricket has got to a point where there are other opportunities for you. You get to an age, you get opportunities that pay better or easier on the body, allow you to have more time at home."
Klusener, 51, was unveiled as Tripura's coaching consultant for the upcoming domestic season. In his first official interaction with the media after taking over the role, Klusener said their mission would be a "success" if they can produce one IPL or India cricketer from the northeastern state.
“I want to leave a lasting impression. I like to take up challenges. If I can inspire one person to get into an IPL or the national team, then it will be a success,” said Klusener, who has worked with Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, and several other franchises as a coach.”
As per his contract, Klusener will spend a total of 100 days coaching Tripura, providing his expertise to age group, women's and Ranji Trophy cricket.
"We have the coaching staff in place in all the departments. He will oversee their functioning and add valuable inputs," TCA vice-president Timir Chanda said.
Mr. Chanda further said they have retained veteran India wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha for the upcoming season. Saha joined Tripura as mentor-cum-cricketer after falling out with Cricket Association of Bengal.
